Police investigate fraudster who posed as Corrie star

From Digital Spy

Police are investigating a Twitter fraudster who posed as Coronation Street actor Derek Griffiths to fans into handing over cash for fake charity auctions.

The fraudster auctioned off meals with the actor – who played Freddie Smith in the ITV soap – by promising that the funds raised would be going to autism and dementia charities.

Victims of the scam included Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness, who took to Twitter back in September to reveal how he'd bid £600 for dinner with Derek.

"I've only gone and got myself dinner with @DerekGriffiths I bid on eBay, all money to Autism charities, everyone's a winner! #Legend," he wrote at the time.

In a later tweet, Paddy admitted that he'd been duped and intended to report the matter to the police.

"Turns out this sack of s*** has been scamming money off people under the guise of charity for a long time," Paddy told his followers.

"Next stop for me is @gmpolice to report this scum bag."

A Twitter account allegedly operated by the fraudster had directed fans to a JustGiving page, according to The Sun Online.

Another victim reportedly gave £270 after being taken in by the scam, and also reported the matter to police.

Twitter said that it doesn't comment on individual accounts.

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