An Ohio woman fell victim to a scammer who posed as former Journey lead singer Steve Perry and swindled her out of $122,000. The con artist presented the victim with fake investment opportunities and claimed to be in need of a romantic partner.
According to reports, the woman received a message on social media from someone claiming to be Perry. The imposter used a fake profile and photos to convince the victim of his identity. He then proceeded to charm her with promises of love and financial success.
The scammer told the woman that he was looking for a partner to invest in a new business venture and asked her to send him money. Believing she was communicating with the real Steve Perry, the victim complied and sent a total of $122,000 over the course of several months.
It wasn’t until the woman’s family became suspicious and contacted the authorities that the truth was uncovered. The real Steve Perry has since released a statement denouncing the scam and warning fans to be cautious of online imposters.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Scammers often use the identities of celebrities to gain trust and manipulate their victims. It is important for individuals to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any online interactions, especially when it involves money.
The Ohio woman has filed a report with the police and is working with authorities to track down the scammer. She hopes to recover her lost funds, but more importantly, wants to raise awareness about this type of fraud and prevent others from falling victim.
In the meantime, fans of Steve Perry and other celebrities should be cautious of any unsolicited messages or requests for money. It is always best to verify the identity of the person before engaging in any financial transactions. Let’s all do our part to stop these types of scams and protect ourselves and our loved ones.
