Jason Momoa: From Aquaman to Aquascam
Mark Honeychurch - 27 May 2024
At the beginning of April I received a friend request from none other than Jason Momoa, star of the Aquaman movies, the Conan the Barbarian remake, and Jacques Villeneuve’s recent version of Dune. Of course, this wasn’t the real Jason Momoa - just another Facebook scam, something that’s becoming more prevalent as Meta appears to have given up on even their half-hearted attempts to combat fraud on their platform.
The first sign that this was a fake account was that there’s no earthly reason why rich, successful movie star Jason Momoa would reach out to send me a friend request. The second sign was that the name of the account was “Live chat with Jason Momoa” - not the kind of name a celebrity would use for their account. The third sign was that the account was using a badly cropped image (left, below) chosen to look like the Twitter “blue tick” (right), a system on Twitter that until recently was used to denote that an account had been verified as being genuinely owned by the person it was named for.
A little more subtle, the next red flag was that the account username was “live.chat.with.chris.young.430516”. I looked up Chris Young, and he appears to be a country music star in the US - I guess this account has previously been used to impersonate him when trying to scam people.
Having spotted all of these red flags, of course I accepted the friend request! How else would I be able to find out how this scam works? It wasn’t long after becoming friends with “Jason” that he started messaging me, and what follows is a month and a half’s worth of me trying to waste the scammer’s time. In this conversation I deliberately misunderstand much of what he’s telling me, say things that are intended to string him on for as long as possible, have some fun at his expense, and even throw in a joke from my youngest daughter (If Aquaman and Batman worked together, they would be Aquabat). Enjoy!
(In the text below, “Jason“‘s messages are left-aligned, and mine are right-aligned and italicised)
5 April
Hi
Hey
6 April
Fans, How are you doing? Thank you for being a fan and liking my page & movie, may God bless. You… I sent you a request on here cause have been getting text from some of my fans about people claiming to be me i always see your comment and likes on my Facebook post, God has a reason for all purpose…Have you been getting request from people claiming to be me?
Nope.
15 April
Hi dear I’m sorry for late response was very busy
Thanks for being my great fan so far and May God continue to bless you and Protect you
Thank you!
You are welcome
How long have you been my fan, which of my movies is your favorite, how long have you known about my movie and my life
I’ve been a fan for years, ever since the Snyder Cut was released - I just knew that movie was real, even when everyone was calling me a conspiracy theorist! I think my favourite movie of yours is Dune, because I have a thing for sand worms. I prefer Tremors, and I’m really fond of Kevin Bacon (do you have a Erdős–Bacon number?). Sorry, I’m so nervous I’m just talking rubbish now!
Am a great actor, was brought up to be nice, I never I underestimate others, and I hate liars, am a peaceful and cheerful person if you know me well!
Am determine, and ambitious man.
And you’re modest, too!
Meanwhile, where are you from and have you by chance attended any of my past events near you?
Events? What events are there?
I meant you have seen me before in person
No, but you’re a semi-famous actor. How would I ever get the chance to see you in person?
Do you have any fan card
What’s a fan card?
Your details will be forward to my fans club management now.
Huh?
Send me your details so I will get your fan card ready
Kindly go to the store and get apple card or steam card to a activate your membership fans club ID and after that it will be delivered to your door step and you will be able to watch a lot of videos online free.
Oh, no thanks. I’m happy with the streaming services I have.
I thought for a second that I could use the fan card to meet you! Silly me.
With the membership fans card you can see me in person
How often do you visit New Zealand, though?
Just always
Just really?!!!
Yeah
Whoah!
Are you ready to get the fan card now
Nope, I’m at work at the moment, in a bland, gray office, living my sad existence behind a computer. Can you wait for a few hours?
Hang on, you’re Jason Momoa - you’re awesome! Of course you can wait.
Okay
I’m waiting
Thanks! You’re such a star, Jason. So gracious and kind, and willing to wait for a few hours until I’m about to get you some Steam cards. Are you this kind to all your fans?
Hi dear
Yes of course I love that question
Are you back home
Nope, I work a full-time job, so I’ll be in the office for the next 5 hours or so.
Alright
I still can’t believe I’m talking to THE Jason Momoa!
This is blowing my mind.
I see, I hope your job doesn’t stress you out?
Feel free I’m not God
Have a wonderful day
And you! What are you doing today? Where are you?
just relaxing with friends having fun
Where are you at the moment? LA?
Home with my visitors
And where’s home? Sorry, I’m a big fan, but I don’t know much about your personal life. I believe you deserve privacy just as much as anyone else.
Okay
When you get the card we can talk
Ah, right, so you need me to pay you first before we can talk? I thought we were friends?
Or have I totally mis-judged the situation?
If I’ve over-stepped the mark here, I apologise.
Yes of course we are friends
Awesome!
Yeah
You have to get the membership card so that I can create your ID as full fans
Great, that sounds good. Have you already sent the card to me?
As my fans to prove that you are my fans through the membership card
I’m not sure I’d technically be considered a fan any more - now I’m your friend, right?
Ok if you say so friend
🙂
Now have you you busy the card?
You ask me to wait for
Sorry, I don’t understand what you just said.
Have I I busy the card?
Ohh sorry I meant Have you buy the card you ask me to wait for
Have I bought the card? Huh, I wasn’t expecting your English to be bad. I thought you went to university?
Don’t feel bad by my English I’m so tired I come to check on you
Have you bought the card?
Nope - but do I need to have a card now that we’re friends?
Yeah
Oh, okay.
Great
You’re in Auckland at the moment, right? Just finished recording for the new Minecraft movie? Can I meet you in central Auckland and hand the card to you? We could go for a drink at the viaduct if you want.
Now tell me the time you will get it
I guess on the way in to Auckland? I can pick it up on the way to meet you. It’ll only be a 5 minute detour.
So kind of you
Actually, given Auckland traffic, maybe an hour.
So, where shall we meet?
But for the card you will send it to me here on Facebook
Honestly, it’ll be easier if I give it to you in person. There are so many scammers out there, it’s hard to know who’s real and who’s just pretending to be a celebrity!
Plus, I’m your biggest fan, so I’m very keen to meet you.
And maybe take you back to my place, show you my basement.
I see that you really are
🙂
I think I might be in love with you.
But please keep that a secret, between me and you.
Thanks for the compliments,its not as easy as the world think it is.Die hard fans like you are the reason why i keep moving.
Okay
So I don’t have much time now when you get the card send it to me here directly
My friend do you understand
No
Take care
I’m definitely careful. How are you?
16 April
Send the card if you like
I went to the shop, but there wasn’t just one card - there were lots of different ones, each with their own price. Which one do you want?
Will the $10 card be enough?
Just get me Razor Gold card $50
What’s a Razor card? I can’t see any of those.
I’m in the shop now, but there’s nothing called Razor.
DO you see apple card
??
Ah, I can see them now.
Okay
The staff are asking me which country the card is for.
US
Us. Yes. Me and you. Friends forever!
But which country?
Hawaii
Or you can get apple card
Take a picture of card there in the shop and show me
Why are you quiet
Sorry, had to go back to the office. I can try again later?
Alright if you say so
Anytime you like you send it I’m okay with that
Awesome - thank you. Hopefully next time I’m in the shop you’ll be available to help me.
whenever you are in the shop just get the Apple card I’m okay with that
If you like
17 April
I see you don’t want to get it
What?
The card are you not getting it again
for me
Yes, I’ll get you the card. Of course! I want to be in your fan club. After all, I’m your #1 fan.
18 April
What are you still waiting for
It’s on your hands
Sorry, you seem a bit desperate, which is strange! Are you okay waiting for a while, or not?
Okay
19 April
I hope your day is filled with more happiness than when we met. Good morning
I was so happy when we met online, so it’s going to be hard to have more happiness than that!
I see
Are you not getting the card again just tell me
I’m getting the card. I’m just on holiday at the moment, so it’ll be a few days before I’m back in my own country.
Okay
Have a blessed day
Always take care of yourself my good friend to be
Thank you!
You are welcome
waiting for the day you will get the card so that I can have your full details about you
I want you to have my membership card so that you can be able to see me anytime you like but it seem like I’m the one forcing you to get the card
Yeah, it definitely feels like you’re being a bit pushy!
Which is weird, given that I’m the only one who will realistically benefit from this. I mean, you’re a millionaire, right? And you’re constantly chasing me up for a $50 Steam card. So odd!
Ohh I understand your point now
Many friends and fans have my membership card for a reason so don’t say so
As time come if I ask you to show me your membership card Id you don’t have it that means you don’t know me real you are not a real person to me
That is why I always make sure that my lovely fans and friends who love me to have because so many of them are complaining for something I don’t know. I hope you understand me now I’m seeing you like a good friend to be
20 April
Why are you not responding to my messages
Sorry, Jason, there wasn’t really anything else for me to say.
Hopefully I can afford to get you a Steam card soon, when I’m next paid.
21 April
Okay I hope so friend
Hope you are having a wonderful day
26 April
Hello friend
When are you getting the card yet
Yes
Great
🙂
27 April
👍
3 May
Hello friend
Happy New month
Helllloooooo!
Friend
How are you doing today
When will you get the card it ?
I was expecting you to send me a card, right? My Jason Momoa Fan Club card. But it’s not arrived yet. Do you know when it’s coming?
4 May
You have to get the card so that you can have your fans club ID
Okay friend so that will can meet in person
Sounds great! When can we meet?
OKAY but address will be in your ID if you get the card
I will forward you the ID here to you
Sounds good - please send me my ID now.
Send the card to use activate it
Aren’t you supposed to be sending me the card, though? I’m confused.
You know what if you don’t want to send the card you can leave it
No, I definitely want you to send me the card please.
It’d just be great if you could do it soon - it’s been ages!
I have told you several times send your membership fans card
Yes please, send the card. Thank you!
You can have your ID or rest you send the steam card to use an upload your details on the system
Sounds good, please send me the ID card now. You’re awesome. Thanks!
Kindly go to the store and get apple card or steam card to a activate your membership fans club ID and after that it will be delivered to your door step and you will be able to meet me in person .
Sorry, I thought I was going to receive my membership card first.
I’ve been waiting for you to send it to me.
Is it coming soon?
You have to get $50 SIM card first before you receive it here
But how can I be sure you’ll give me the card?
I think it’s better you give me the card first, and then I can get you whatever I want. After all, I’m your greatest fan, Jason.
You can trust me 😉
Trust you it doesn’t work like that
You have to get the card without it you can’t receive your ID okay
Do you want to get the card yes or no
yes
Okay
Go and get it now okay
Thank you
Okay
Alright friend
🙂
Hoping to see it soon
Okay friend 🥰
5 May
I don’t have anything to say to you again about the card it’s seems like you don’t want to get it
I do, I do, I really do! I really want to get my grubby little hands on your fan club card. Pleeeeeeease.
6 May
I have nothing to say to you when you are serious you can go and get the card so that you can have my club ID
Okay, if you have nothing to say, can you send me a picture instead? Maybe a voice recording of you telling me how happy you are that I’m your number one fan.
7 May
I don’t have your time again because of I’m asking you to get just $50 card to activate your ID so that you can have it
Sorry, can you say that again in English? I’m not sure what you mean.
I don’t have to force you again because I’m asking you to just get your $50 card to activate your ID so you can have it.
I hope you are seeing it
Other fans ID
But those say “Drivers License” on them.
Am I getting a Jason Momoa branded Driver’s License? Can I get one that lets me drive a mech warrior? Or a boat maybe?
8 May
To avail this amazing opportunity, all you need is to obtain your official membership fans card club ID. This unique ID acts as your pass to meet me in person and enjoy all the exclusive perks and privileges that come with being a club member.
I have created a membership fans card for you, but in order to activate it, I need you to get an Apple card. Please get the Apple card and use it to activate your membership fan card. Thank you!
But, but, but… if my fan card is also a Driver’s License, do I need to take a test first? Will you be in the passenger seat?
10 May
Jason, I love you! Why are you not talking to me?
Thanks for your love 💕
I can talk to you since you didn’t get my membership fans card
I understand that trust is crucial, especially when it comes to online interactions. Therefore, I want to assure you that this membership fans club is managed by a trusted third-party platform that has been verified. Rest assured that your personal information and privacy will be protected
Awesome - do you have a link to the platform?
I’d love to see the steps they take to ensure my privacy.
11 May
Yeah, do you want to bought the card online?
Yes please!
Okay
Dundle (US) | Buy Gift Cards Online, Prepaid Credit & More
You can bought it there click up the link
12 May
Why haven’t you brought it yet
Why not saying anything to me?
If Aquaman and Batman worked together, they would be Aquabat ©.
??
Please be patient. I have a friend who’s a 1337 hax0r, and she’s currently checking out that website to ensure it’s secure enough for me use. Once she comes back to me with a thumbs up or thumbs down, I’ll let you know.
13 May
Okay
Thanks. I’ll contact you soon.
16 May
Hello friend, I guess you don’t want to get the card again
No, I definitely want it. I’m still just waiting for my hacker friend. Sadly, these things take time.
how can you keep me with like that
After all, patience is a virtue, right? Or is it vice? Or is it faith that’s a vice? I can never remember.
Jason, I love you, I just need to make sure everything’s legitimate. I’m sure you understand.
You’re such an amazing man. So muscly, so handsome, so kind and gracious.
Thank you!
I’m so lucky to know you.
Thanks
But since you don’t trust me link I give you why can’t you get it in store
Yes, maybe that’s the better option. When I’m next near a shop, I’ll pop in and grab one for you.
You’re smart as well as sexy. Thank you!
I hope so
Awww 🥰
Thank you for your continued belief in me and for being the reason I do what I love. Together, we can make incredible things happen!
Yay!
Great
Okay, I’ll be in contact soon, once I have the card.
Squee!
Alright
17 May
Hello friend
Why you haven’t send the card yet for me
I thought you say you will get it today
Why are you keeping me silent?
I didn’t say I was getting it today - I’ll grab it the next time I’m at the shop.
I think you are not serious you are just giving me excuses every time I guess you don’t want to get it
If you don’t get it today I will not be happy with you
Oh, Jason, you disappoint me. I’m trying my hardest, and the other day I thought you understood that these things take time.
Why is it, so soon after our conversation, that you’re now being mean to me?
Have you had a bad day? Have you been on set, filming? Did you have to memorise a lot of lines and now your head hurts from all the mental strain? I feel for you, I truly do, but taking it out on me isn’t the right thing to do.
I love you, but maybe you need to take a step back, breathe deeply, and consider booking a session with a therapist.
Will you get it today Yes or No
No, I can’t today Jason - it’s 2 o’clock in the morning. Nowhere’s open!
As I said, you need to relax, maybe watch some Netflix and chill, and I’ll do the needful and get the card at my earliest convenience.
Okay
18 May
Don’t chat with me anymore
I’m very disappointed in you
I’m here. Another rough day filming?
Your word is not to me again
Weird, your English is all messed up.
I reckon you must be really tired.
Might be good for you to get some sleep, Jason, and message me when you feel relaxed and happy.
It can’t be good for you to keep getting angry.
At this point, “Jason” unfriended me and blocked me. I’d like to think that I’d wasted enough of this scammer’s time to have put a dent in their profitability, and I had a bit of fun while I was doing it. The most disappointing part of the interaction was that, after all the lead-up of trying to get me to trust that I was lucky enough to be talking to a real movie star, all the scammers wanted was a $50 Steam card. How boring!