Fake Actor Cons Woman Out Of Thousands

JOHNSTON COUNTY — What sounded like the beginning of a made-for-TV romance instead ended with a costly lesson for a Johnston County woman.

The 64-year-old victim told authorities she was contacted online in December by someone claiming to be Andrew Walker, a film actor and producer best known for frequent appearances in Hallmark Channel movies.

According to the report, the impersonator convinced the woman that the two would meet and take a trip together. To help make the plans happen, the “actor” asked her to send money.

Believing she was communicating with the real 46-year-old actor — who has also appeared in Maybe It’s Me and Sabrina the Teenage Witch — the woman sent cash through multiple methods totaling $14,000.

The trip never happened. Messages eventually stopped. That’s when the local woman realized the movie star was actually a scammer.

Authorities say celebrity impersonation scams are common and rely on fake profiles, stolen photos or videos, and repeated requests for money tied to romance, travel, charity donations, or prizes. In nearly every case, the funds are requested through untraceable methods.

While Hallmark movies often end happily, real-life celebrities will never ask fans for money through private messages — no matter how convincing the storyline may seem.