Married Woman Catfished by Fake Star, Dacre Montgomery.

Credit: Unsplash

Catfishing Scam Involving Fake “Stranger Things” Star Dacre Montgomery Highlights the Importance of Online Awareness

The recent revelation of a catfishing scam involving a woman who was deceived by an impersonator posing as “Stranger Things” actor Dacre Montgomery has shed light on the potential risks associated with online interactions. The victim, identified as McKayla from Kentucky, shared her story in a YouTube episode of “Catfished,” detailing her experiences of being manipulated by a scammer who falsely claimed to be the popular actor.

McKayla, a single mother and enthusiastic fan of “Stranger Things,” found herself ensnared in a catfishing ruse when she joined an online forum designed to connect creative individuals. She connected with an individual who claimed to be Dacre Montgomery, known for his role as Billy in the hit Netflix series. The impersonator leveraged McKayla’s vulnerabilities, including her past experiences, to gain her trust.

The scammer fabricated a story about relationship troubles with Montgomery’s alleged model girlfriend, Liv Pollock, exploiting McKayla’s empathetic nature and personal challenges. They communicated extensively online, discussing their respective relationship struggles, and McKayla was eventually convinced to send money in the form of gift cards and checks, amounting to approximately $10,000.

McKayla was still married when she began her online relationship with the fake 'Stranger Things' star. https://t.co/sfQd1VeTIc

— TMZ (@TMZ) August 21, 2023

The impersonator also used misinformation about an upcoming “Stranger Things” episode to solidify the illusion, although the information was publicly available before the episode aired. The catfishing scheme progressed as the scammer continued to manipulate McKayla’s emotions and vulnerabilities.

“Love makes you do crazy, stupid, irrational things. And trauma does one heck of a thing to a person,” McKayla shared in the video. She emphasized the complex psychology involved in falling victim to such scams, where perpetrators exploit emotional and psychological vulnerabilities for their gain.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of online awareness, caution, and skepticism. Online platforms can be breeding grounds for deception, and users should exercise vigilance when engaging with individuals they meet online, particularly if personal information or financial transactions are involved. The case also underscores the need for individuals to maintain a healthy skepticism and verify the authenticity of claims made by online contacts.