
73-Year-Old US Woman Scammed Of $20,000 By Fraudster Posing As TV Host
A 73-year-old woman from Seattle, Washington, fell victim to a scam artist who posed as MSNBC news anchor Ari Melber on Facebook, duping her out of at least $20,000. The elaborate scheme preyed on the woman’s trust, emotions, and vulnerability over a month-long digital interaction.
According to the New York Post, Patricia Taylor, a retired Boeing employee, was convinced she was communicating with the Emmy-winning host of “The Beat with Ari Melber”. The fraudster began manipulating her under the pretense of caring for a sick dog, requesting money and gift cards.
A Fake Romance And False Promises
The scam escalated when the impersonator seduced Ms. Taylor, convincing her they were in love and planning to get married. To cement the illusion, the fraudster sent her an engagement ring.
Last Monday, Ms. Taylor booked a flight to New York to meet the person she believed was the MSNBC anchor. However, her daughter, Meri Taylor, tracked her cellphone and intercepted her at a layover in Portland.
Fearing a sinister outcome, Meri told the media she believed the scammer might have held her mother hostage to extort ransom.
AI-Generated Deception
Ms. Taylor reportedly grew suspicious of the situation, prompting the scammer to manipulate her further using AI-generated voice notes that mimicked Ari Melber’s voice. The fake messages said:
“You're reading my messages and not responding. I’d never [scam] you. Have you found someone else?”
The messages played on her emotions, further clouding her judgment.
Family Intervention
Meri Taylor revealed the family had staged two interventions to convince their mother she was being conned. Despite their efforts, Patricia struggled to accept the truth.
“Our mother is not a dumb person. How did she fall for this? How did she not see what was going on?” Meri shared in frustration.
She also expressed concerns about her mother’s declining health, missed medications, and lack of self-care, linking her vulnerability to the scam.
Growing Concern: Elderly Targeted By Scammers
Elder fraud remains a serious concern across the United States. According to a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report, scammers exploit elderly individuals to generate an estimated $3 billion annually in illegal gains.
Key Takeaways:
- A Seattle woman was scammed out of $20,000 by a fraudster posing as a TV host.
- The scammer used emotional manipulation, fake promises, and AI-generated voice notes.
- The family intervened, preventing a potentially dangerous meeting.
Experts advise seniors to:
- Avoid sharing personal information online.
- Verify social media connections of public figures.
- Seek family support when approached with suspicious requests.
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