A woman, referred to as Jane to protect her identity, has shared her harrowing experience of being conned out of approximately £80,000 by scammers posing as various figures connected to Hollywood actor Jason Momoa. The elaborate scam began innocently enough when Jane was contacted through social media by someone claiming to be the actor himself.
In her recollection, Jane detailed how their conversation transitioned from Facebook to WhatsApp under the pretense of privacy and security due to Momoa’s celebrity status. Impressed by the authenticity of the interaction, Jane was soon drawn into a web of deceit involving individuals impersonating Momoa’s agent, lawyer, bank manager, and even his daughter.
Over time, the scammers cultivated what Jane described as a “romantic relationship,” with daily exchanges that deepened her trust. The fraudulence escalated quickly, starting with a request for funds to cover supposed flights for a visit to meet Momoa. Jane initially believed these arrangements were genuine, as she had been told repeatedly that the actor would cover the costs. However, as demands for money grew, so did her suspicions.
Jane recounted a series of increasingly bizarre requests, including a scenario where she was told that Momoa needed a marriage certificate to secure his home during a conflict with his ex-wife. Despite her growing doubts, Jane continued to transmit large sums, driven by the emotional manipulation she was subjected to by the scammers.
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After losing £18,000, Jane contemplated the absurdity of the situation, questioning why she was bearing the financial burden while the celebrity was supposedly wealthy. Ultimately, the tipping point came when the scammers, masquerading as a police officer and courier, threatened to visit her home for further payments. This compelled Jane to seek help from the authorities.
Upon reaching out to Northumbria Police, Jane’s nightmare began to unravel as detectives confirmed that the individuals she had been communicating with were indeed scammers. Although the police are supporting her, Jane’s case is no longer open, and the chances of recovering her lost funds remain slim.
Claire Lawson, an economic crime protection officer, emphasized the importance of reporting these crimes and reassured victims that they should not feel embarrassed or ashamed. “The people who commit these crimes have no morals,” she stated.
Additionally, a spokesperson from PayPal highlighted the rise of Authorised Push Payment fraud, warning that consumers should be cautious of unusual payment requests, particularly those that tug at their emotions.
As Jane works to rebuild her life, she expressed her deep frustration and concern, stating, “I wish I could meet these people because they wouldn’t be standing long.” With a plea to others, she urged them not to pay anyone online whom they do not know, reinforcing the hard lesson she’s learned through her ordeal.
