Friday, September 18, 2026 - A 64-year-old Pennsylvania man has reportedly lost $42,700 after an unknown person or group allegedly impersonated WWE star Rhea Ripley.
Pennsylvania State Police said the scam occurred in March, with the impersonator convincing the man to send money through online payments. The victim's identity has not been released, and authorities said he has declined to cooperate with their investigation.
The case highlights the growing danger of online celebrity impersonation scams, where criminals use the names and identities of well-known figures to build trust with potential victims.
In this case, authorities have not disclosed exactly how the alleged impersonator contacted the man or persuaded him to make the payments. No arrests have been announced, and there is currently no indication that Ripley was involved in the scheme.
There has also been confusion over the amount reportedly stolen. One local report stated $427,000, while Pennsylvania State Police-related reports and multiple other outlets put the loss at approximately $42,700.
With the investigation ongoing and limited cooperation from the victim, further details remain unclear. The incident serves as a reminder to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a celebrity before sending money, sharing financial information or responding to urgent requests online.
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