Investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Thursday continued to look for a woman who allegedly used dating apps to meet some 10 elderly men before burglarizing their homes.
The sheriff’s department issued a special bulletin to seek additional victims of Adva Lavie, who also goes by Mia Ventura.
The 29-year-old woman would meet older men on dating sites or apps to build trust before burglarizing their homes, according to Capt. Dustin Karr with the LA County Sheriff’s Department.
“Eventually they invite (her) into the home, and then this person ends up burglarizing their home,” Karr said, adding there could be 10 or more victims out there.
The fact Lavie allegedly targets elderly men should be a major red flag, according to Julie Spira, an online dating expert.
“When you see someone who is targeting older men, perhaps they are older, wealthy men,, if they’ve become widowed, they are very vulnerable,” Spira said, urging dating app users to never send a person money before meeting.
It is also recommended that the first few days should be done out in public.
“Whether you’re on a hike, and there are other people around you or you’re going for coffee or lunch or a dinner date, they should not involve meeting somebody at their home,” she said. “Your home is a private space, and until you really get to know someone, they shouldn’t know where you live.”
Lavie’s whereabouts were still unknown as of Thursday as investigators looked for additional victims.
Investigators believe Lavie is linked to at least two vehicles – a black Porsche SUV and white Mercedes-Benz sedan.
The woman was described to be 5’07”, 104 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information regarding Lavie was encouraged to contact Lost Hills Station Detective Lopez at 818-878-1808 or LAPD Detective Marsh at 818-374-9500.