Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You
Becky Holmes on Celebrity Scams and Romance Fraud
Episode 18: Romance scams aren’t just about money — they’re about psychology, shame, and stolen trust. Author Becky Holmes joins Stolen to talk with Erin West about the rise of celebrity impostor scams, why smart and kind people fall victim, and how society’s lack of empathy fuels the crisis. A powerful, funny, and eye-opening look at the future of fraud.
Erin and Becky explore its emotional and psychological impacts of romance scams on victims. They discuss the importance of kindness, the isolation felt by those who have been scammed, and the need for genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world. They also talk about how celebrity scams work and the societal stigma surrounding victims. Becky shares her own journey from being a victim to becoming an advocate, highlighting the importance of storytelling in raising awareness about romance fraud.
“The common denominator between victims of romance fraud isn’t stupidity, it’s kindness.”
Key Takeaways about Romance Scams
Education and awareness are crucial in preventing romance fraud. Human connection is increasingly rare in a digital age, leading to vulnerability.
Kindness is a common trait among victims of romance fraud. Scammers often impersonate celebrities to gain trust and manipulate victims.
The stigma surrounding victims prevents many from coming forward.
The aftermath of romance scams can be devastating and long-lasting. Victims often face isolation, trust issues, and long-term emotional challenges.
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Guest Bio: Becky Holmes
Becky Holmes is the author of Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You, “the story of one middle-aged woman in a cardigan determined to understand this growing phenomenon.” She’s also the creator of @deathtospinach on X, where she publicly outs online fraudsters. Well-respected in the fraud industry, she is regularly called upon to speak to the media and to present at conferences alongside other industry experts.
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Becky Holmes and Her Work
03:53 The Journey into Romance Fraud Awareness
06:37 Understanding the Aftermath of Romance Scams
09:12 The Emotional Impact of Romance Fraud
12:12 The Role of Kindness in Victimization
14:55 The Loneliness Epidemic and Its Connection to Scams
17:32 The Sophistication of Scammers and Emotional Manipulation
20:12 The Dystopian Nature of Modern Communication
23:12 Humor in Scams and Recognizing Red Flags
25:24 The Unexpected Rise of Celebrity Scams
27:47 Understanding the Mechanics of Celebrity Impersonation
31:09 The Psychological Impact of Celebrity Engagement
34:48 The Addiction of Romance Fraud
38:36 Stigma and Its Effects on Reporting Fraud
41:10 The Future of Fraud and Prevention Strategies
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