75-Year-Old Woman Sends Over $120,000 to a Person Claiming To Be Journey’s Steve Perry

While promoting a successful solo career on stage with albums like Steet Talk, The Season, and Traces, many remember Steve Perry as the frontman for the rock band Journey. Spending several years with the band, he helped them gain international fame that continues today. And with Journey having fans all around the world, one woman in Cleveland, Ohio jumped at the chance to help Perry. The only problem, the person she was helping was not Perry.

According to reports from WKYC, in January, the woman received a message on Facebook from who she believed to be Perry. The Westlake Police explained how the imposter told the woman he needed her help with a business opportunity. Over the months that followed their initial conversation, the woman, believing she was speaking with the singer, sent over $72,000 to the individual. And that wasn’t all as she also sent another $50,000 in gift cards.

While not seeing any red flags, the woman continued to send money to the Perry imposter until they requested pictures of her passport and even her driver’s license. At that time, the woman believed she was being scammed and reported it to the police. While law enforcement looks to track down the individual, the woman is working with her bank and the FBI to get the funds returned.

[RELATED: Ex-Journey Singer Steve Perry Reveals He’s Signed a New Label Deal, Says “It’s My Dream” to Tour Again]

Joe Elliott Gives Advice About Imposters Posing As Stars Like Steve Perry

Sadly, this isn’t the first time scammers have used the identity of famous stars to trick fans into giving away their money. Just a few months ago, Joe Elliott of Def Leppard urged fans to stay vigilant as he insisted imposters were starting to “piss” him off. Offering some advice, the singer said, “I don’t need your money, okay? I would never, ever ask you for money because my wife’s divorcing me or my leg fell off or I need a glass eye. It’s complete and utter horseshit. Anyone who sends you an email claiming that they’re me or they’re gonna take you on a date or… I don’t know, my house fell over, it’s not true!”

With fans always willing to show their love to their favorite singers and bands, Elliott’s advice is a great reminder of the dangers that come with speaking with individuals online and how easy it is to trick someone.

(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)