DEWEY BEACH, Del. — A woman who was purchasing a luxury home in Dewey Beach says she lost more than $2.2 million in an alleged wire fraud scheme and has now taken the matter to federal court.
Johanna Berkowitz claims scammers intercepted communications related to her real estate closing and sent fraudulent wire instructions, diverting her funds to an account controlled by criminals.
According to court filings, Berkowitz was in the process of buying a property in Dewey Beach for $2.2 million, with closing set for November 21, 2025. Two days before the scheduled closing, she reportedly received what appeared to be a legitimate email from someone associated with the law firm overseeing the transaction. The message contained wire instructions for the final payment totaling $2,209,240.11.
However, the lawsuit alleges the email was spoofed.
Instead of being transferred to the proper escrow or closing account, the funds were wired to a Truist Bank account allegedly controlled by fraudsters. Berkowitz claims the bank later confirmed receipt of the money, after which the funds were quickly withdrawn or moved.
The lawsuit, filed January 29, names “John Doe” defendants because those responsible have not yet been identified. Berkowitz states she is working to uncover their identities through banking documentation, IP address tracing, and other investigative measures.
In her complaint, she alleges violations of several federal laws, including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Stored Communications Act. She also raises state-level claims such as conversion and unjust enrichment, asserting that the defendants unlawfully obtained and benefited from her money.
Berkowitz is seeking at least $2,209,240.11 in damages, along with potential punitive damages and the recovery of any property tied to the alleged fraud.
The investigation remains ongoing as efforts continue to identify the individuals behind the scheme.
