A New Jersey man is accused of scamming women out of more than $2.1 million by posing as military personnel and forming online relationships with them on dating sites, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said Wednesday.

Rubbin Sarpong, 35, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Officials allege Sarpong defrauded more than 30 women in an “online romance scheme” between January 2016 and September 2019, according to a U.S. attorney's office release. ADVERTISEMENT

Authorities said Sarpong and his conspirators allegedly established “virtual romantic relationships” with the women under the guise of serving in the military and then asked them for money.

The women wired money to Sarpong’s accounts or mailed checks, officials said.

Federal law enforcement agents identified more than 30 victims with a total loss exceeding $2.1 million. Officials say Sarpong allegedly personally received $823,386 from the women.

Sarpong’s attorney Lori Koch, assistant federal public defender, was not immediately available for comment.