Anna Delvey, born Anna Sorokin, captured global attention with her elaborate lifestyle that involved staying at high-end hotels, dining at upscale restaurants, and mingling with New York City’s elite. Her story is intriguing not only because of the audacious fraud she committed but also because of the question: how did Anna Delvey get money in the beginning?
In this article, we will explore her early financial strategies and the methods she used to create the illusion of wealth before her deception unraveled.
Anna Delvey’s Early Life and Background
- Birth: Anna Sorokin was born on January 23, 1991, in Domodedovo, Russia, a working-class town near Moscow.
- Family: Her father, Vadim Sorokin, was a truck driver who later started a heating and cooling business, while her mother worked in a small convenience store.
- Move to Germany: In 2007, at the age of 16, Anna’s family emigrated to Eschweiler, Germany, seeking better opportunities.
Despite living modestly, Anna had aspirations far beyond her means. After high school, she briefly enrolled at Central Saint Martins in London but dropped out and moved to Paris in 2013. Here, she worked as an intern at the French fashion magazine Purple, marking her entry into the world of fashion and art. During this period, she adopted the name “Anna Delvey” and began crafting the persona of a wealthy socialite.
How Did Anna Delvey Get Money in the Beginning?
Anna Delvey’s rise to prominence was fueled by a combination of resourcefulness, manipulation, and bold tactics. Here’s how she initially funded her lifestyle:
1. Financial Support from Her Family (2013)
In the early days, Anna’s family provided financial support to help her transition to life in Paris. Although her parents weren’t wealthy, they likely covered her basic living expenses and allowed her to intern at Purple. This family assistance formed the foundation for her later escapades.
2. Earning a Stipend as an Intern (2013-2015)
While interning at Purple, Anna earned a modest stipend. While insufficient for a lavish lifestyle, this income helped her sustain her early years in Paris. Importantly, her role at the magazine allowed her to network with influential individuals in the art and fashion world.
3. Strategic Networking in Paris (2013-2015)
Anna’s real skill lay in networking. She attended exclusive parties and events, using her charm and wit to forge connections with wealthy individuals. By presenting herself as a German heiress, she gained access to high-profile circles, planting the seeds for her later exploits in New York.
4. Leveraging Hotel Policies (2016)
After moving to New York in 2016, Anna began staying at luxury hotels without paying upfront. Hotels like the 11 Howard in SoHo allowed her to check in without a working credit card, trusting her promise of forthcoming payments. She manipulated staff and managers into extending her stays, enabling her to enjoy upscale accommodations and amenities for free.
5. Writing Bad Checks (2016-2017)
One of Anna’s boldest financial tactics involved writing bad checks to banks. She deposited these fraudulent checks into her accounts and quickly withdrew funds before the banks realized the checks would bounce. This gave her access to thousands of dollars in quick cash, which she used to maintain her lavish lifestyle.
6. Relying on Wealthy Friends (2016-2017)
Anna cultivated friendships with affluent individuals, who were often willing to cover her expenses under the assumption that she was a wealthy heiress. She would invite friends to expensive dinners or trips, only to leave them footing the bill. In one notable instance, she persuaded a friend to pay $62,000 for a luxury vacation to Morocco, promising reimbursement that never came.
7. Creating the Illusion of Wealth
Anna perfected the art of appearing rich without actually being rich. She dressed in designer clothes, which she often purchased on credit or borrowed from others. Her confident demeanor and curated social media presence further solidified the image of a successful and affluent young woman.
The Anna Delvey Foundation: A Turning Point (2016-2017)
As her ambitions grew, Anna devised the idea of the “Anna Delvey Foundation” (ADF), an exclusive arts club she planned to open in Manhattan. Her vision involved leasing a $40 million space at 281 Park Avenue South and transforming it into a cultural hub.
To secure funding, she approached major banks and private investors, claiming she had a €60 million trust fund in Europe. She provided forged financial documents to support her claims. While some institutions were skeptical, others, impressed by her apparent connections and confidence, offered her significant lines of credit.
Timeline of Key Events
Here’s a brief timeline of Anna Delvey’s financial schemes during her rise:
- 2013: Anna moves to Paris and starts interning at Purple magazine.
- 2016: Relocates to New York and begins staying at luxury hotels without paying upfront.
- 2016-2017: Writes bad checks and withdraws funds before they bounce, accumulating thousands of dollars.
- 2017: Convinces friends to cover her lavish expenses, including a $62,000 trip to Morocco.
- 2017: Attempts to secure a $22 million loan for the Anna Delvey Foundation using forged documents.
What Made Her Scheme Work?
Anna’s success in fooling people stemmed from several factors:
- Confidence: She exuded self-assurance, making it difficult for others to question her.
- Appearance: Her designer outfits and luxurious lifestyle reinforced the illusion of wealth.
- Networking: By mingling with New York’s elite, she gained credibility and access to resources.
The Downfall
Anna’s schemes began to unravel in 2017 when hotels and banks started investigating her financial dealings. By 2018, she was arrested and charged with multiple counts of fraud. In 2019, she was convicted on several charges and sentenced to 4–12 years in prison, though she was released in 2021 for good behavior.
Conclusion
So, how did Anna Delvey get money in the beginning? She relied on family support, stipends from internships, and her ability to manipulate people and institutions. Her story is a testament to the power of perception and the lengths some will go to achieve their ambitions.
While her methods were fraudulent, Anna’s ability to infiltrate elite circles with limited resources remains a fascinating part of her legacy. Her rise and fall continue to serve as a cautionary tale for those drawn to the allure of appearances over reality.