Ohio womans falls for Perry impostor

[The_Noble_Cause]

Careful out there fellow J-fans.

https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local ... 3447f13f84

WESTLAKE, Ohio — The Westlake Police Department is sharing a cautionary story about a woman being scammed by someone claiming to be legendary former Journey singer Steve Perry.

According to Westlake police, a resident stopped by the station late last month to report being the victim of a scam. The 75-year-old woman told officers that she responded to a message on Facebook in January from someone claiming to be Perry.

"The fake Mr. Perry had a business opportunity for investment and of course 'needed a woman in his life'” Westlake police explained.

Over the next several months, police say the Westlake woman sent "thousands of dollars" to the Perry impersonator who continued correspondence through text messaging and WhatsApp.

A closer look at the Westlake Police Department's report on the case revealed that the woman apparently gave the scammer $72,000 via wire transfers to "various persons in various different states, designated by 'Perry,' through her bank." She also purchased approximately $50,000 in gift cards after being prompted by "Perry."

The victim realized she was being defrauded when the scammer "became more demanding," including wanting pictures of passports and driver's licenses. Police told the victim to report the scam to her bank as well as IC3.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

In the meantime, investigators are following up with available electronic leads.

Hopefully, this story will help residents to "stop believing" in scammers and not allow them into their lives with "open arms."

[Journey/Survivor]

I live really close to Westlake Ohio. Maybe 12 miles or so away? I hadn't heard anything about this though until your post here.

[Deb]

I live really close to Westlake Ohio. Maybe 12 miles or so away? I hadn't heard anything about this though until your post here.

Probably because it happens a lot. I recall a Dr Phil show on people, mainly women, getting scammed thinking they are communicating online with a celebrity. Some poor woman was falling in love with and sending money to who she thought was Nikki Sixx. Even when Nikki and his wife appeared on the show apologizing that she had been conned by this person saying but it isn't me. You could tell she still struggled to believe it wasn't really Nikki. It's so sad. Umm red flag, why would a celebrity ever need money from you?!

[JourneyHard]

I agree. Why does Steve Perry need thousands of dollars? He has more than enough money. And if he didn't have money, he could go on a month-long residence in Vegas and make more money than he can get from scamming anybody!

If somebody wants money from you, don't send it. The default should be "this is a scam!"

[Marabelle]

Stupid. You could feed a family of 4 for a few years or save a few dogs. More than a few. Buy a car. Sponsor someone. Help a poor child. Invest. Help the needy and disadvantaged...why in the world would a celebrity need her money?