In São Paulo, Brazil, a 68-year-old woman who believed she was in a secret romance with BTS member Jimin lost more than $52,000 to a sophisticated online scam. The fraudster, impersonating the South Korean singer, contacted the woman through social media and spent four months building a fictional relationship filled with romantic messages and promises of a future together.
The scam escalated when the criminal claimed to have sent a luxury gift box—jewelry, designer watches, perfumes, and cash—that was supposedly held at Brazilian customs. To release it, the woman was told she needed to pay fees and taxes. Convinced she was helping her partner, she made multiple wire transfers and even took out personal loans, draining her savings.
When the scammer stopped responding, the woman realized she had been deceived and filed a report with the Civil Police of São Paulo. Authorities are now investigating the case, which highlights a growing trend of romance fraud targeting older adults worldwide.
Romance scams: a global problem hitting older adults hardest
This incident is not isolated. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, romance scams have caused billions in losses globally, with adults over 60 disproportionately affected. Criminals often create fake profiles of celebrities or public figures, moving conversations quickly to private messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram to avoid detection.
In this case, the scammer used customs fees as a pretext, a common tactic. Similar schemes have been reported across Latin America, where fans of K-pop and other global stars have been targeted. The emotional manipulation is designed to create a sense of urgency and trust, making victims more likely to comply with financial requests.
Brazilian authorities emphasize that Jimin, the real BTS member, has no connection to these criminal acts. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of trusting unverified online identities, especially when they ask for money.
How to protect yourself from celebrity impersonation scams
International security agencies recommend staying alert when someone you've never met in person starts a romantic relationship online and then requests money. Red flags include quick declarations of love, excuses for not video calling, and urgent requests for wire transfers or gift cards.
Public figures like Jimin never ask fans for money or personal information through private channels. If you encounter such a request, it's almost certainly a scam. Authorities advise cutting off communication immediately and reporting the account to the platform.
For those who have been victims, it's important to report the crime to local police and financial institutions as soon as possible. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission has refunded victims of similar money transfer scams, showing that some recovery is possible.
This case also echoes broader issues of online trust and vulnerability, similar to concerns raised in discussions about dating and intimacy in the Latino community. While the contexts differ, the need for digital literacy and emotional safety online is universal.
As the São Paulo police continue their investigation, this story serves as a cautionary tale for fans everywhere. The fantasy of a romance with a celebrity can be intoxicating, but it's essential to remember that real stars don't ask for money. Stay safe, verify identities, and never send funds to someone you've only met online.
