📰 7. Star Wars & Game of Thrones Stuntman Loses £50,000 in Crypto Scam
Felix Leech, a British stuntman known for work in Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and Paddington 2, lost nearly £50,000 (~$63,000) to a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam. The fraud began when he joined a WhatsApp “crypto trading group” advertised on Instagram.
Key points:
Leech initially deposited £1,000, lured by phony returns and fake screenshots of profit.
He was manipulated into making additional deposits via credit cards and a £10,000 loan, eventually losing all of his savings.
The scammers posed as legit financial advisors and pressured him to pay “regulatory” fees, capital gains tax, and even a £20,000 insider trading fine.
After the group vanished, he realized it was a full-scale scam and is now seeking restitution through the Financial Services Ombudsman.
Leech has since recovered £11,000 with legal help and is warning others not to fall for similar scams.
Why it matters: This case is a stark reminder of how even high-profile individuals can fall victim to crypto fraud, especially on social media platforms. The story underscores the importance of due diligence, regulatory oversight, and public awareness in the rapidly evolving world of crypto investments.