Glencoe woman duped by fake Shemar Moore wedding
Star-struck by the interest in her from the celebratory, she was hoodwinked by his charming messages and authentic references to Moore's career using generative AI to create video clips or voice memos that sound eerily realistic.
This was followed by requests for help in needing to unblock funds held by international banks.
Intrigued by the relationship, some of the woman's friends, including Jacques Greyvenstein of the Glencoe Neighbourhood Watch, investigated and found that the fake Moore held more than 12 Facebook and other digital accounts. She quickly stopped the communication and said she wanted to warn others from falling into the celebrity wedding trap.
Celebrity romance scams aren't new. In fact, in 2023, BBC News reported on a UK police alert about a growing number of victims who had been tricked into sending money to people claiming to be celebrities
Some operate fake charity initiatives or claim they need help accessing funds blocked by international banks.
Then there's the heartbreaking case of a woman in the US who sent over $375,000 to someone pretending to be actor Martin Henderson. The fraudster built an emotional bond over time and made financial requests that escalated gradually. The victim, isolated and emotionally vulnerable, believed she was helping someone she loved.
If someone claiming to be a celebrity contacts you online, keep your guard up.
Watch for these red flags:
• They reach out via private message and express romantic interest quickly.
• They avoid real-time video calls or only send scripted video clips.
• They ask you to keep the relationship secret.
• They say they're dealing with lawsuits, frozen assets, or career problems.
• They request money through wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards.
• They pressure you to act urgently, either emotionally or financially.
• They use overly emotional language like 'I trust you more than anyone.'
Trust your intuition. If something seems a bit off, don't brush it aside. The chances are you're being conned.
(source Bitedefender)
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