Bryn fan sees through con man’s scam
A BRYN Terfel super-fan thought she’d been contacted by the Welsh opera singer online – but it turned out to be a con artist looking for money.
Elizabeth Lloyd-Parkes, a senior lecturer at the University of South Wales, has been a fan of the bass-baritone opera singer since the 90s when she saw him perform at the Hawthorn Leisure Centre in Pontypridd.
Dr Lloyd-Parkes, 58, often comments on Sir Bryn Terfel’s Facebook page and recently became a Top Fan, with the title appearing next to her name when she posts.
On December 3 she even received a message from somebody she initially believed to be a member of Sir Bryn Terfel’s management team congratulating her on being such a dedicated fan.
“At first I thought it might have been a member of his management or social media team messaging his fans,” said Dr Lloyd-Parkes, who lives in Rhoose.
“They congratulated me on becoming a Top Fan and started asking questions.”
Despite being wary of the messenger account – which was identical to the authentic Bryn Terfel Facebook page - Dr Lloyd-Parkes went along with the conversation.
“I had a feeling it wasn’t real but I thought I would go along with it to see what they said,” she said. “When I realised it was probably a scam I sent a message in Welsh and they didn’t respond.”
The two discussed where Dr LloydParkes lived and which Bryn Terfel concerts she had been to.
But the conversation took a turn for the worse and the person behind the messenger account eventually asked if she would send money.
“They asked me if I was married and had children which I thought was strange, but I responded,” continued Dr LloydParkes.
“When they said Bryn Terfel was in New York I knew it was a scam because I looked online and found out he was actually in Zurich.
“It was a fake account but it looked genuine and you never know if some people will fall for it.”
The person asked Dr Lloyd-Parkes to donate money to the Bryn Terfel Foundation – a legitimate charity set up by the singer to help aspiring artists and performers.
“I wonder if you’d be interested in a project in West Africa I want you to be part of…” wrote the person behind the account.
“Do tell me more,” replied Dr LloydParkes.
“I want a few of my dedicated fans to know I’m about to finish a project in West Africa (Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation) to help reach out to the less fortunate in that area. Your financial support is really needed to make this project a success. For fans who have contributed, I will give them two tickets for the concert in Zurich,” wrote the con artist.
“What sort of contribution are you looking for?,” replied Dr Lloyd-Parkes.
“Financial support for this project,” wrote the con artist.
“So how much money do you want?” replied Dr Lloyd-Parkes.
“If enough funds are realised, this project will be completed before the end of this year. You can choose how much you contribute,” said the con artist.
“OK. I’ll have to think about it – what’s the usual donation?,” replied Dr LloydParkes.
“£500 and above. When you’re ready I will give your email address to my manager for direction,” said the con artist.
To donate, Dr Lloyd-Parkes had to send money to a private bank account and not directly to the charity.
She said: “By the end I was just amused. I didn’t send any money and I reported the account to Facebook and his [Bryn Terfel’s] manager.
“I think people should be aware of this and more aware in general about social media profiles.
“I’m always cautious online. My account doesn’t have my full name and I didn’t give this person any of my personal details, but you never know if somebody else will do.”
“I’m really interested in marketing, social media and how people perceive online profiles,” she continued. “I actually have a PhD student researching it.
“I think the account might have approached Bryn Terfel fans because they equate opera fans as being affluent.”
It’s understood that the fake messenger account has since been removed from Facebook.
Bryn Terfel’s manager Matthew Todd said: “It’s extremely disappointing that anyone should decide to target Bryn’s presence on Facebook with fraudulent activity. Neither Bryn himself, nor his foundation would ever seek to solicit funds in this way.
“If anyone is any doubt please report anything suspicious to Facebook, or via the website of Bryn’s management agency, Harlequin.”