Hong Kong fan conned HK$10,000 by fake Nicholas Teo
Source : Channel News Asia
TAIPEI: A Hong Kong fan was conned HK$10,000 (S$2,000) through the internet by a fraudster posing as Malaysian pop singer Nicholas Teo.
According to reports, the fake Nicholas set up a webpage and regularly updated it with recent activities. The impostor also blogged about his working experience and even implored fans to do their part for charity.
And it is through this charity call that a Hong Kong fan fell for the trap. The impostor told fans to buy Nicholas' albums on the site and that the money will eventually help to fund the medical fees for a kid in China.
Believing it to be true, the Hong Kong fan unwittingly transferred over HK$10,000 (S$2,000), only to realise later she had been conned.
The real McCoy was aghast and anguished when he heard the news.
"Firstly, I'm shocked. Secondly, I'm angry. Lastly, I'm sad," said the real Nicholas. He also advised his fans to be more cautious in future.
His management company said they will put in all efforts to nab the impostor. The company had reserved the rights to sue but said the most important concern now is to ensure that such cases will never happen again.
The company also emphasised that Nicholas will only reply to fans or update his activities on the official website (http://www.onlynicholas.com).
This is not the first time unscrupulous internet users have made use of Nicholas’ fame.
Three months ago, another impostor used his alias to set up a personal blog and accounts in both Facebook and MSN. The impostor also updated the blog regularly and interacted actively with fans.
However Nicholas' eagle-eyed fans managed to see through the act when they noticed discrepancies in photos and events published on the webpages. - CNA/fa
Wed May 27, 2009 8:21 am