Local Woman Scammed by Keanu Reeves Impersonator

Shreveport, August 25, 2025

News Summary

A Shreveport woman was duped by a scammer impersonating Keanu Reeves on social media, losing over $4,000 in the process. The scam involved promises of a meet-and-greet with the actor. Authorities are investigating the case as part of a wider trend of similar scams nationwide that exploit celebrity names. Awareness and caution are urged to prevent further incidents.

Shreveport – A local woman has fallen victim to a scam that involved someone impersonating well-known Canadian actor Keanu Reeves. The incident highlights the growing issue of social media scams that target unsuspecting individuals through deceptive means.

The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was approached by a scammer on Facebook who claimed to be affiliated with Reeves. The impersonator, using the name Susan Benson, promised a unique opportunity for a personal “meet and greet” with the Hollywood star. Captivated by the offer, the victim wired $3,250 to a bank account listed under the name Shari Outlaw Hyatt. Following this initial transaction, the victim continued to engage with the scammer and sent an additional $1,000 via PayPal to a Gmail account associated with “Susan Benson.”

Concern arose when the victim realized that the chance to meet Reeves was nothing more than a fantasy. The individual reported the scam to the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office in May, prompting an investigation by local authorities. Officials are currently working to recover the stolen funds and address the scam’s implications.

This incident is not isolated. It is part of a broader pattern in which various individuals across the country have reported similar scams involving Keanu Reeves impersonators. In April, a woman from the Tampa Bay Area was defrauded of tens of thousands of dollars in a comparable scheme. Moreover, a case in California involved a woman who lost her home after forming an online connection with a user operating a fan account of Reeves over two years, which led to significant financial losses.

These cases underscore a troubling trend in online fraud, particularly as scammers increasingly leverage popular culture to lure victims. Social media platforms, while offering genuine opportunities for connection, also present fertile ground for deception. The allure of meeting celebrities often clouds judgment, leading individuals to make impulsive financial decisions without verifying the authenticity of the opportunity.

Authorities urge individuals to exercise caution and skepticism when approached with offers that seem too good to be true, especially from unfamiliar accounts. Awareness of these scams is critical in preventing future incidents and protecting potential victims from financial loss.

Fraud Awareness and Prevention

As scams continue to proliferate, those who frequently use social media should be well-versed in identifying red flags. These include unsolicited messages that propose unwarranted financial transactions or exclusive offers without secure, verified channels of communication. It is advisable to confirm the identities of individuals claiming to represent celebrities, and the safest course often involves consulting official pages or known representatives.

Investigation Progress

Law enforcement officials are systematically working through leads associated with the case, employing investigative techniques that may include tracing the accounts used to receive funds. They endeavor to not only recover stolen assets but also apprehend those responsible for perpetrating these fraudulent schemes.

Conclusion

The Shreveport incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks associated with online interactions. With common themes emerging from various cases, the public must remain vigilant and informed to deter the progress of such scams.

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Additional Resources

• Eastern Progress
• Wikipedia: Online Fraud
• KTBS News
• Google Search: Social Media Scams
• Shreveport Times
• Google Scholar: Celebrity Impersonation Scams
• The Advocate
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud Prevention
• KPEL 965
• Google News: Scams 2025

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.