A VULNERABLE woman from Barry has following victim to an Amazon gift scam orchestrated by two impersonators masquerading as famous actors.

The woman, who has learning difficulties but lives independently, was conned out of £85 when the ‘Zac Efron’ and ‘Johnny Depp’ imposters befriended her and engaged in fake chats.

The ‘stars’ suggested they would send her personal gifts and that she needed to buy gift cards, take off the security covering, the pin numbers and take a picture on mobile.

She then had to send the picture to the fictional ‘Zac’ or ‘Jonny’ who would cash in the value.

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Her father said: “Like most youngsters my daughter has her own television, laptop, and tablet, and mobile phone.

“We sought to get the balance right between overseeing internet use and possible danger while allowing a vulnerable adult some privacy and independence.

“This is a very difficult line to walk and clearly we did not get this right this time.

“We can now see that the cleverness of criminals and those wanting to take advantage means much stricter guidelines and oversight.

“Someone with the social skills and mental abilities of a child needs childlike supervision.

“Our daughter was a regular on Facebook and Whatsapp and other social media apps like Hangout were being used.

“The problem was she would join or add anyone without any thought of danger.

“Most of the time she was sharing family pictures or events quite properly and it brought enjoyment.

“She kept in touch with relatives overseas which she liked doing, but there is a dark side."

The scam emerged when a relative looked at her phone.

She was then stopped in time from buying more gift cards.

The dad said: “Conversations had been going on for weeks about what they would send her, but she must get gift cards.

“After sending some our daughter started asking where the stuff was.

“They would reply, “You have not sent enough, get another £20 or £30.”

“Further conversations told her the items were being packed ready just for her and no other person was getting her special stuff, so don’t tell anyone!

“"We need just another gift card for £30.”

“Our daughter’s last purchase was three £10 cards.

“Looking at ‘spent’ gift cards it seems around £85 was sent.

“This was a lucky escape.”

The dad contacted South Wales Police, Action Fraud, Amazon, and the store from which the gift cards were bought.

He said: “A very helpful person on 101 assured me she was not alone and that this gift card con trick is gaining momentum right now.

“They especially target older or vulnerable people who will ‘fall’ for such wicked lies.

“Our daughter protested, even after being discovered, that “It is Zac Efron, look it is his picture".”

An Amazon customer service representative confirmed the cards had been spent and the store told him it was so aware of this scam that they challenge anyone buying more than £50 in value in one transaction.

“The supervisor told me that on one occasion they contacted police as they felt a vulnerable person was buying excessive cards,” he said. “It was found that over £1000 value had been sent.

“We are embarrassed and shocked that this has happened and want to alert all carers, vulnerable people and their families in Barry and the Vale that this scam is working in our area.

“We are determined to increase security with our daughter.

“On this occasion, we are lucky to have got away with an amount under £100 and our daughter is safe.”

To report a scam or fraud, visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/