Imposter tries to scam family of missing Fil-Am student

SAN FRANCISCO – Many have stepped up to support efforts to locate missing 18-year-old Filipino American student Hayley Alvarado since her family issued an appeal for help more than a month ago.

But the family’s public appeal has also attracted an imposter scammer.

Hayley’s father, Stephen Alvarado, said the scammer opened a Facebook account using his daughter’s name.

Hayley’s father, Stephen Alvarado, said the scammer opened a Facebook account using his daughter’s name. CONTRIBUTED

“We suspected, right from start, (that it was) a fake account,” said Alvarado.

The scammer claimed Hayley was abducted and demanded money from the family in exchange for information on Hayley.

“My wife found out that the (Facebook) account was a new one,” said Alvarado, who asked for proof that they had his daughter.

The scammer asked him to connect on WhatsApp, where they could “discuss everything about Hayley,” he said.

Alvarado said he refused to connect on WhatsApp and insisted that they continue their conversation on Facebook.

He said the scammer’s last message was: “For your girl, I want money.”

Alvarado also revealed there was “unconfirmed sighting” of Hayley in Olathe, Kansas on Jan. 8. This sudden shift in location has added a new level of complexity into the ongoing investigation, he said.

Many have stepped up to support efforts to locate Hayley Alvarado since her family issued an appeal for help. Kristin Thorne/Facebook

Alvarado said Hayley’s disappearance has devastated the family – and their two sons, Harley and Hanson, “have been missing their sister terribly.”

“After our evening prayers, (Hanson) asked on Jan. 10, as he counted as six days to our wish that she be back on the 16^th of January, ‘what if ate (sister) won’t come back after Jan. 16?… if ate won’t come back, I think I won’t see her again.’ And that made me so emotional.”

Hayley, a student at Montclair State University, has been missing since Dec. 17, 2023.

In an exclusive interview with Inquirer.net USA, Stephen Alvarado said Hayley left their Jersey City home early in the morning without telling anyone where she was going, leaving behind her ID, ATM card and laptop, and turning off her cellphone.

Her family turned to social media to appeal for help.

Hayley’s mother, Portia, posted on Facebook, “You’re always in my heart my sweet ‘Lee.’ Please know that you are loved unconditionally by us. We will never give up searching for you and always pray for your safe return home.”

The police have checked CCTVs in buses, bus stations, establishments and parks, in coordination with the Department of Transportation.

The family and authorities are asking those who may have information about Hayley to call 911 or the Jersey City Police Department at (551) 227-8511, or provide information at the nearest police station.