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

Lambda Legal, a nonprofit championing LGBTQ+ rights, surpasses fundraising target by an impressive $105 million

NEW YORK – Lambda Legal, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+…

Are Virginia Republicans United for the Upcoming November Elections?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Is the Republican party unified ahead of the…

Suspect in Boulder, Colorado, Attack Faces 118 Charges

DENVER (KDVR) More than 100 charges have been formally filed against the…

Musk Intensifies Feud with Trump by Bringing Up Jeffrey Epstein Accusations

WASHINGTON () President Donald Trump hit back at criticism from former adviser…

Modi Launches Major Rail Project Linking Kashmir with Indian Plains

NEW DELHI – On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened a…

Suspect in Boulder Terror Attack Faces 118 Charges

DENVER (KDVR) – The suspect involved in the terror attack in Boulder,…

VIDEO: Final Footage of Travis Decker Before Discovery of Three Deceased Girls in Washington

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The hunt for a father accused of killing…

Central Florida Man Detained for Threatening Trump and Other Public Figures

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – A resident of Ormond Beach was taken into…

Proceeds from Chatham 5K to be Donated in Memory of Crash Victim

CHATHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — This year’s Chatham Jaycees Sweetcorn Festival 5K proceeds…

“Olympia Cafe Team Reminisces About Nick Pappas: A Man of Great Charisma”

In Savannah, Georgia, Olympia Cafe is a popular spot for both tourists…

Pair of Women Detained for Attempted Smuggling Incident in Washington County Jail

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. () – On Thursday night, two women were taken…

Public Hearing Set for Planned Demolition of Dogwood Terrace Apartments

The city of Augusta, Ga., conducted a public hearing on Wednesday, June…