Keanu Reeves' fans warn of Instagram scam targeting seniors

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-09-10 06:40:30 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-10 09:55:30

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Mumbai-based senior citizen Charulata Patel, a die-hard Keanu Reeves fan, was excited to learn that her favorite actor had supposedly reached out to her via Instagram. Imagine her surprise, then, when it turned out to be nothing more than a elaborate scam to fleece her of INR 65,000 (roughly $800).

The fraudster, posing as Reeves, had initially contacted Patel via Instagram and then texted her, claiming that he wanted to "buy a flight ticket to come to India" to visit her in Mumbai, according to the Mumbai Police.

Patel explained to the Times of India: "I thought it was true. Why would someone pretend to be him? I didn't even think once about it and sent him Rs 65,000."

Unfortunately, Patel's case is not unique. Over the years, several celebrities, including Reeves, have had their names misused for various scams targeting eager fans.

In a statement on the incident, Reeves' fans took to Twitter to warn others. They expressed disappointment that Instagram had not done enough to protect its users, and urged victims to report such incidents to the police.

This unfortunate episode once again highlights the importance of heightened vigilance on social media, and the need for rigorous fact-checking before sending money to anyone online.

Let's hope that Instagram gets its act together soon, and that no more fans are duped by fake profiles. Until then, stay vigilant!

Mumbai Police, meanwhile, is investigating the scam, and has asked those with similar experiences to come forward.

Go!