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    Barcelona ‘victim of transfer fraud after transferring £830,000 to scammer pretending to be Lewandowski’s agent’

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    BARCELONA fell victim to a scam when completing Robert Lewandowski’s transfer.The striker moved to the Nou Camp in the summer of 2022, joining from Bayern Munich.A scammer posing as Lewandwoski’s agent almost cost Barcelona £830,000Credit: RexLewandowski has been in fine form this season and has helped Barcelona to the top of LaLiga, but his signing got the club into difficulty.That is because a fraudster posing as his agent Pini Zahavi demanded a payment be made of £830,000, according to reports in Spain.In late July 2022 several club directors and executives received an email requesting the payment as commission for the deal being completed.Barcelona paid the amount into an account number at the Bank of Cyprus – but to an account under the name of Michael Gerardus Hermanus Demon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe bank blocked the transfer as it was considered high risk, due to the fact there were no previous transactions on the account nor any valid documents to justify the payment.The scammer continued to put pressure on Barcelona by posing as Zahavi, and threatened to report the club to Uefa and block Lewandowski’s registration.They also wrote to the Bank of Cyprus in a bid to get the transaction approved but were denied again.That meant Barcelona were able to recover the £830,000 and have since reported the scammer to police after receiving two more emails demanding around £210,000.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLewandowski, 36, has been a success at Barcelona with 71 goals in 106 games, including 12 this term.He signed from Bayern in a deal worth £42.5million.Behind the scenes of the Barcelona ‘bust up’ after Celtic’s heroic 2012 win More

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      Former Premier League star reveals he was scammed out of over £500,000 by friend dubbed France’s Queen of Fraud

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      A FORMER Premier League star has revealed he was scammed out of more than £500,000 by the woman dubbed France’s Queen of Fraud.Aurelie Bard, 39, received a two-year suspended jail term in 2023 after being found guilty of stealing £635,000 from French firm Inseec six years ago.French entrepreneur Aurelie Bard – pictured with DJ Khaled – scammed £585,000 from an ex-Premier League footballerCredit: The Mega AgencyAnd the accountant is currently on trial for her alleged part in defrauding £84MILLION from fashion company Kiabi.She got to know the footballer when he played for her hometown club in France.The brunette later made multiple trips to England to visit him.However, the player told French media that she forged over 140 cheques from his private bank account – paying herself around 700,000 Euros (£585,000).READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking anonymously, he told Le Parisien: “I was Aurelie’s first victim.”The player’s lawyer added: “She wrote cheques from one of his private accounts, and cashed them herself.”She bought herself presents with the money, such as a luxury watch, in order to seduce him and convince him she came from a wealthy family.”Aurelie B recognised what she had done in a written letter of confession.Most read in Football”Thanks to this we were later to recoup the funds by making my client’s bank face up to its responsibilities.”Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanThe player said he ended his acquaintance with Bard on learning of her deception but declined to press charges.He later had most of his losses refunded after proving his bank acted negligently in honouring cheques signed by Aurelie.The Kiabi fraud trial continues.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe slams ‘fake news’ after he’s ‘accused of rape at Swedish hotel as cops open probe’

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      KYLIAN Mbappe has slammed “fake news” after a newspaper reported police received a formal rape complaint against the star.Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that the French forward is being investigated by cops – who visited his hotel Monday. Kylian Mbappe had a rape complaint filed against him, a Swedish newspaper reportedCredit: RexMbappe in Stockholm FridayCredit: RexMbappe responded on X, slamming the report as ‘fake news’A complaint was reportedly made to police on Saturday after the alleged victim sought medical attention. Aftonbladet reported that Mbappe on Thursday dined at a restaurant and went to a nightclub in Stockholm with pals. They report police are investigating the alleged rape at the Bank Hotel – with forensic cops investigating Monday. Mbappe flew out of the country Friday on a private jet, before the complaint had been made. Read more on footballA prosecutor investigating the accusation told AFP: “A probe is under way into a crime that was reported on October 10 in the centre of Stockholm.” In a post on X, Mbappe addressed the report saying: “FAKE NEWS !!!! It’s becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance.”The Real Madrid player seemingly referred to a hearing he is set to face over unpaid wages he is disputedly owed. Mbappe claims he is owed 55million Euros (£45million) by his former club Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballPolice spokeswoman Carina Skagerlind said: “In general, if we have received a complaint and decided to conduct interviews and we make it known (to the public), those involved in the case may take actions that delay and complicate the investigation.”Mbappe’s entourage shot back in a statement sent to AFP: “Today, a new slanderous rumour is starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media Aftonbladet.”These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.”In order to put an end to this methodical destruction of (the) image (of Kylian Mbappe), all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappe is suffering repeatedly.”A source close to Paris Saint-Germain told AFP it would “ignore” Mbappe’s claim that there was a link between the report in Sweden and his wage dispute with the club.Mbappe is currently injured and did not play in France’s Nations League fixtures last week.Mbappe was staying at the Bank HotelCredit: EPA More

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      in Boxing

      Giant 22 stone heavyweight boxing legend leaks Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson ‘scam’ after calling YouTuber out for £1.5m fight

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      BOXING legend Butterbean has claimed a “scam” is at play for Jake Paul’s fight with Mike Tyson. The controversial clash – scrutinised for the three-decade age gap – was set for June 20 but Tyson, 58, was forced out amid a health precaution. Mike Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: GettyPaul, 27, instead stopped replacement Mike Perry, 32, after three knockdowns before confirming his rescheduled November 15 bout with Tyson. But KO icon Butterbean – real name Eric Esch – insisted the fight will purposely never go ahead. He said: “Him and Tyson are never gonna fight. That has been a scam from the very beginning just to boost Jake’s name – and it has. “This guy, everybody’s talking about him, but he’s never gonna fight Tyson. READ MORE IN BOXING”They were never planning on fighting each other, because a promoter would never let him fight anyone else in between a fight. “Never – not that big a fight. It’s been a scam from the beginning.”During the height of his career Butterbean weighed as much as 36 STONE and only ever went past the fourth round once – against the great Larry Holmes.His last boxing bout was in 2013 but he has teased a comeback in recent years having lost a stunning 14 STONE.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSButterbean wants to fight Paul and called him out to a £1.5million winner-take-all bout. He said on TikTok: “Hey Jake Paul, would you fight me for $2m [£1.5m]? Winner takes all.”From boxing champions to UFC stars and bitter rivals, Jake Paul’s five-man hit-list of opponents after Mike Tyson fight Butterbean, 57, over 100 fights across boxing, kickboxing and MMA while even having a run in pro wrestling.He lost the huge amount of weight after starring in a TV show alongside former wrestler Diamond Dallas Page.Butterbean had 91 boxing bouts – compared to just the 11 of 10-1 Paul.The social media sensation’s only loss came in 2023 against Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy, 25, in Saudi Arabia but has won four since. Butterbean weighed 37st during his heydayCredit: GettyHe has dropped a huge 14st recentlyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/butterbeanboxer/ More

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      Fake football ticket scam warning as it’s revealed swindled fans lost £177 each on average last season

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      FOOTIE fans scammed last season lost £177 each on average in fake ticket cons, stats show.The number of supporters being fleeced also shot up by a third.Footie fans scammed last season lost £177 each on average in fake ticket cons, stats showCredit: GettyArsenal and Liverpool fans were most likely to fall victim to online scammers.And those aged between 25 and 34 were most likely to be suckered — with 29 per cent being taken for a ride.Fans aged 18 to 24 were the next most prone to fall for fakes, at 27 per cent.Lloyds Bank analysed scams reported by its customers during the 2023/24 Premier League season and compared that with the previous year.Read More on SportIn that time, the number of fans reporting fake buys rose by 32 per cent. They lost £177 on average, with some losing more than £1,000.Scams often start with fake posts on social media or online marketplaces for tickets that do not exist. Often they will include pictures of real tickets to trick the buyer.Most read in FootballBut once any money has been transferred, the fraudster then vanishes and the victim receives nothing in return. Lloyds said those looking for match tickets should purchase them directly from the clubs or other trusted sources.Here are the red flags to watch out for to avoid being scammed for football match tickets Clubs will also provide details of any authorised ticket partners on their website, which may include legitimate ways for tickets to be resold.Fraudsters will also target major events where demand for tickets is likely to be high.Earlier this year, Lloyds estimated fans of Taylor Swift lost more than £1million to ticket scammers over her UK tour.Lloyds fraud prevention chief Liz Ziegler warned: “Passions run high when supporting your favourite football team and missing out on the big match after falling victim to a ticket scam can be devastating.“Always stick to official channels as your first line of defence and avoid deals which look too good to be true.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Woman and man accused of ‘blackmailing’ top F1 racing team boss have charges dropped

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      TWO people charged with blackmailing a top F1 executive have had all charges against them discontinued.Ryan Hilton, 42, and Sarah Surita, 31, were accused of demanding cash from a former high-ranking team chief.The alleged blackmail relates to an ‘unwarranted demand of money’ in November 2014 (stock image)Credit: GettyThe alleged blackmail related to an “unwarranted demand of money” in November 2014, according to court papers.The pair had not entered pleas and yesterday the charges against them were formally discontinued in a two-minute hearing at Reading Crown Court, which neither defendant attended.Defence barrister Nadia Shabat said: “This case should not have been on the listings as the matter was discontinued.”As such, the prosecution was told they would not be required to attend.”Read More on F1Judge Amjad Nawaz confirmed: “This is a discontinuation hearing.”The matter will not be called on. The case is discontinued.”The judge did not explain why the case was called off but said he believed the decision to end proceedings was taken too late for it to be pulled from court listings.Hilton, from Maidenhead, Berkshire, had faced two counts of fraud by false representation.Most read in MotorsportHe was also charged with stalking without fear, alarm or distress relating to “repeated social media posts of a derogatory nature”.Surita, 31, who also uses the surname Westbury and lives in Slough, faced one charge of fraud by false representation.Cost of an F1 carIt is understood they were set to deny the charges.The Crown Prosecution Service was invited to comment on why the charges were dropped.At a hearing earlier this year held at East Berkshire magistrates’ court in Slough, the pair, understood to have been charged in January, were released on bail — but ordered not to contact their alleged victim.The court heard they denied making threats or that their actions amounted to blackmail.They also claim the alleged victim’s complaint to the police was inaccurate, it was said. More

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      Scotland & Man Utd ace Scott McTominay’s fiancee’s investment firm being probed by ‘fraud cops’ as star faces £1m loss

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      COPS are investigating an alleged “investment fraud” that left Scott McTominay facing a £1million loss.The Scotland idol invested in a failed firm run by fiancée Cameron Reading and her dad Ashley.Cops are investigating an alleged investment fraud that left Scott McTominay facing significant lossesCredit: Kenny RamsayThe failed firm was run by Cameron Reading and her dad AshleyCredit: InstagramBoyzone star Shane Lynch was reportedly an investor in the firmCredit: PA:Press AssociationTOWIE’s Mario Falcone allegedly gave money to Fortress Capital PartnersCredit: GettyFortress Capital Partners went bust in September last year.The firm owed £18million and left 230 people out of pocket.It reportedly borrowed money from investors including Boyzone star Shane Lynch and Mario Falcone from TOWIE, then lent it out at higher interest rates.It has now emerged the firm is the subject of a probe by officers at the Metropolitan Police.The force said: “We can confirm that officers from the Met’s Economic Crime Team are investigating allegations of fraud made to police on 10 November 2023 following a referral from Action Fraud.”There have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing.”The Readings splashed out millions on luxury investment properties in the UK, Dubai and Spain. McTominay, 27, lent Fortress £1million to buy one in Portugal.Most read in FootballThe footie star now stands to get back just £100,000 after administrators confirmed investors are expected to get just 10p of every £1 they put in.One investor told of their anger over Reading’s social media posts flaunting her “luxury lifestyle”.Man United’s Scott McTominay faces losing nearly £1million after investing in a failed firm run by his fianceThey told the Sun on Sunday: “There is a photo of Cam blowing a kiss with a glass of Champagne at a Claridge’s hotel room with Scott. It really rubs salt in the wound for those of us who’ve lost our life savings or face losing their homes.”There’s another pic from Instagram of Ashley, his wife, Cam and her sister. They always seemed to be going on holiday. At one point, they were in Dubai for months and months.”Cameron has been forced to sell properties in Dubai and Spain to help settle her debts.She was approached for comment by The Scottish Sun. More

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      Sheffield United may have to return £10MILLION to Nigerian businessman charged with fraud in the USA

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED face having to pay back £10million pumped into the club by a Nigerian businessman who failed to buy the Premier League strugglers last year.The cash-strapped Blades have been warned by lawyers they will have to return £8.85m plus interest if Dozy Mmobuosi is found guilty of fraud charges made against him in the United States.A legal case across the pond could prove costly for Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyDozy Mmobuosi is at the centre of fraud charges, having previously tried to buy the Blades as well as showing interest in other Prem clubsThe cash blow comes with Chris Wilder’s side on the brink of relegation from the Prem, which would cost them £100m.Lawyers warned: “Should the charges prove to be accurate, up to £8,850,000 plus interest could potentially be recovered from the club.”No date has been set for the trial.Mmobuosi, 45, disappeared from his luxurious London home in January after US authorities charged him with securities fraud, making false filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and conspiracy following an FBI investigation.READ MORE TOP STORIESMmobuosi, who had also shown interest in investing in Crystal Palace and Southampton, was touted as a potential saviour for the Blades after he was linked to a £115m takeover bid.He agreed terms with United’s owner Prince Abdullah and said he paid the cash as a deposit.But the EFL asked him and the club to answer further questions.Talks then broke down between the Prince and the African businessman.Most read in FootballThe Blades return to Prem action after the international break at home to Fulham.But the bottom side face a huge task to stay up as they are eight points from safety.Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton discuss the possibility of Manchester United going for Gareth Southgate as their new boss More

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      Alex Scott sends warning to fans over FAKE Instagram accounts being made in her name as she blasts ‘annoying scam’

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      ALEX SCOTT sent a warning to her fans over FAKE Instagram accounts being made in her name and blasted the “annoying scam”. The ex-Arsenal and England star insisted she has just one Insta handle and urged followers to ignore any others posing as her.
      Alex Scott sent a warning to her fans over FAKE Instagram accounts being made in her nameCredit: @alexscott2
      She blasted the ‘annoying scam’Credit: @alexscott2
      Speaking on her verified @alexscott2 account, she said: “I’m getting quite a lot of messages – thank you for actually sending me the messages.
      “I keep having fake IG accounts made in my name which is so annoying because I keep having to go and report them and they put up another one.
      “So just to let you all know that I only have one real IG account. The one which has a blue tick – wahey – so you know it’s me.
      “I don’t have any ones the side, no ones for family and friends, just the one.
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      “So please don’t follow or press the link that it says to buy my book on those other ones because it’s all a scam. Scam, scam, scam.
      “So just wanted to let you all know. And thanks for all sending me the messages to let me know that these people keep trying to do this, which is so annoying.”
      Scott released her book, How (Not) To Be Strong, in 2022 and it chronicles her life and career.
      The former footballer – who made 140 international appearances with 12 goals – retired in 2017.
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      She has since moved into presenting and punditry and in 2021 made history as the first first full-time female host of Football Focus.
      Scott also recently went public with partner Jess Glynne and the happy couple holidayed in Mexico.
      The pair are believed to have been officially dating since November.
      The former footballer moved into presenting and punditry after retirementCredit: The Mega Agency
      Scott shared snaps from her romantic getaway with singer Jess GlynneCredit: instagram
      The pair are believed to have been officially dating since NovemberCredit: Alex Scott/instagram More