Illinois woman loses $62K to scammer impersonating Kevin Costner
Share this @internewscast.com


Related video: Why do scammers love gift cards?

EVANSTON, Ill. (WGN)  An Illinois woman thought she was sending gift cards to actor Kevin Costner in hopes of elevating her financial portfolio. It turns out she was the latest victim of a scam that federal authorities say has been circulating since at least 2018.

According to local authorities, the victim says she sent gift cards totaling $62,000 over a six-month period to someone claiming to be Costner via Telegram, an instant messaging service. The “actor” promised to multiply the victim’s investment.

Authorities said she never received the promised cryptocurrency.

The cryptocurrency scam often uses gift cards to deceive victims, with scammers posing as celebrities to lure them into their schemes. The Federal Trade Commission has previously warned against consumers sending money to celebrities who contact them online.

“Imposter scams come in many varieties, but they all work the same way: a scammer pretends to be someone you trust to convince you to send them money. And that’s exactly what these celebrity imposters are trying to do,” the FTC said.

Local police and the FTC offered tips on how locals can protect themselves from scams:

  • Slow down. Before you send money, talk with someone you trust.
  • Do some research: search online for the celebrity’s name plus “scam.” Do the same with any charity or cause they’re asking you to support and learn more about charity scams here.
  • Never send money, gift cards or prepaid debit cards to someone you don’t know or haven’t met even celebrities you meet on social media.
  • If you sent money to a scammer, contact the company you used to send the money (your bank, wire transfer service, gift card company or prepaid debit card company). Tell them the transaction was a fraud. Ask the company to reverse the transaction, if it’s possible.
  • Report your experience to the social media site and the FTC.

“Some celebs do raise money for legitimate causes. But you want to be sure the cause and the person asking you to support it are real,” the FTC said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Man Previously Arrested for Human Smuggling Now Charged with Posing as ICE Agent: Police Report

Huntington Park, Ca. (KTLA) — A man from Los Angeles is under…

“Winter Stories: New Display at Clearwater Marine Aquarium”

Previous coverage: Winter the Dolphin dies after battle with intestinal issues CLEARWATER,…

Expect Fireworks This Fourth of July, But Tariff Deal Could Dim Next Year’s Celebrations

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Every spring, right on schedule, Carla Johnson sends out…

Chief Justice Roberts Cautions Against Intense Political Language Targeting Judges

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts, addressing the rising threats against…

Second Round Halted at Memorial Health Due to Rain

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The 10th Annual Memorial Health Championship is one…

Judge Dismisses Alternative Suspects List Presented by Bryan Kohberger’s Defense Team

() The judge in the murder trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man…

Supreme Court Restricts Nationwide Injunctions in Birthright Citizenship Ruling

WASHINGTON () The U.S. Supreme Court has granted President Donald Trump’s request…

Updated Senate Bill Proposes Sale of Public Lands with Revised Lee Provisions

The 940-page bill Senate Republican leaders unveiled Friday night to implement President…

Trump Open to Bombing Iran Again if Threat Levels Increase

(The Hill) – President Trump on Friday said he’d consider bombing Iran…

Erwin Woman Arrested for Aggravated Burglary: Stolen Guns Found Hidden in Cooler

A woman from Erwin was taken into custody on Sunday for allegedly…

Florida Could Introduce New Execution Methods: Here’s What You Need to Know

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Starting next month, Florida will officially have the option…

Trump’s Mega Bill Faces Uncertainty as Fourth GOP Senator Considers Opposing Key Motion

President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” appears to be in serious danger of…