A 73-year-old Marysville, Washington, woman says she was scammed out of at least $20,000 by someone she thought was one of MSNBC’s top stars.
And she wants justice. Here’s what happened.
According to local affiliate KING5 News, Patricia Taylor was deceived by a fake Facebook account claiming to be MSNBC anchor Ari Melber.
Marysville woman scammed out of $20,000 by fake TV anchor https://t.co/3tyIikQHky
— KING 5 News (@KING5Seattle) December 14, 2024
The Melber impersonator allegedly requested money and gifts to treat a supposedly sick dog named Penny, her children told the outlet.
“She’s a very trusting person,” Joey Taylor, Patricia’s son, said. “If you say the right words, she figures she has no reason not to believe you.”
According to the report, the alleged scammer convinced Patricia they were in love and would marry, even reportedly sending her a cheap ring. When she became suspicious, the alleged impersonator sent an AI-generated voice purportedly from Melber to reassure her.
Her children also said that Patricia was prepared to fly to New York to meet the person, but they intercepted her during a layover and brought her home.
“I believe they would have asked for some kind of ransom. We have your mom,” Meri said about the dangerous ordeal. “They’d see how much money they could get out of us … We want to vomit.”
“Our mother is not a dumb person,” Meri continued. “How did she fall for this? How did she not see what was going on? You try to explain the logic and it doesn’t sink in.”
MSNBC told KING5 News that Melber is not involved with Patricia Taylor in any way.