Anyone can claim to know a bunch of celebrities they can call at the drop of a hat. But it takes a special talent to convince people to pay large sums of money for those pretend connections. One such fraudster has been arrested in a Las Vegas celebrity booking scam after allegedly duping numerous victims out of more than $ 230,000 for pretend connections to the likes of Justin Bieber and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Scammer Targeted Beliebers
Marlene Fitzgerald, 44, is accused of operating fake talent booking companies with solid connections to celebrities. Victims paid her, sometimes with large deposits, to book celebrities for events or participate in marketing campaigns. Fitzgerald would allegedly take their deposit money but eventually stop responding to calls, messages, and emails. The scam took place from December, 2016 through July, 2017.
In two instances, Fitzgerald allegedly promised performances by Justin Bieber and DJs, The Chainsmokers. In other instances, she’s accused of promising to have the boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr. participate in marketing campaigns. The victims of the Mayweather scams appear to have lost more than $ 230,000 thanks to Fitzgerald’s lies.
The Charges
Fitzgerald was arrested and charged with 5 felony counts of theft in the amount of $ 3,500 or more using technology in the commission of the crime. She is being prosecuted by the Las Vegas Attorney General’s Criminal Prosecution Unit. Fitzgerald was also indicted in 2015 on similar charges, and her trial in that case is scheduled for July of this year.
Whether you’ve been scammed or stand accused of committing a crime, speak with an attorney today to protect your rights.
Related Resources:
- Find Criminal Defense Lawyers Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
- What Is Fraud? (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Top 7 Scams Targeting Small Businesses (FindLaw’s Free Enterprise)
- Online Scams (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)