Scammers are everywhere these days, lurking in inboxes, direct messages, and even on your favourite social media platforms.
But every now and then, someone turns the tables and gives these fraudsters a taste of their own medicine.
Enter Eric Grothe Jnr, former National Rugby League star and Parramatta Eels legend, who recently shared a side-splitting saga of how he outwitted an online scammer—and had a bit of fun along the way.
It all started innocently enough (as these things often do) when Grothe received a direct message on social media from someone claiming to be in desperate need.
The scammer’s story? They needed $200 USD for ‘medicine’. If you’ve ever received a similar message, you’ll know the script: a sob story, a plea for help, and a request for money or gift cards. But Grothe wasn’t about to fall for it.
Instead, he decided to play along—and document the whole thing for his followers. In a series of videos posted to social media, Grothe showcased his hilarious back-and-forth with the would-be con artist.
Rather than simply ignoring or blocking the scammer, he put his quick wit to work, asking for ‘proof’ of their identity.
‘Can you please send me a photo of yourself holding a piece of paper with my name on it?’ he asked, feigning concern and caution.
The scammer, undeterred, sent back a poorly photoshopped image of a woman holding a digitally scribbled ‘Eric Grothe’ sign.
It was about as convincing as a $3 note. But Grothe wasn’t done yet. He upped the ante, requesting another photo—this time, with the same piece of paper and four fingers held up.
The scammer, clearly running out of tricks, tried to guilt-trip him instead, claiming to feel ‘really weak’ and sending crying emojis.
But Grothe was just getting started. He spun a wild tale about inheriting $4.5 million and wanting to share it with ‘trustworthy people’.
The scammer, sensing a bigger payday, doubled down, asking for money to visit the hospital and even offering to accept $2,000 instead of $2 million.
Grothe responded with mock concern, asking if the scammer’s symptoms included feeling like ‘somebody slammed your body down and wound it all around’.
The scammer, perhaps not catching the reference, replied that their bones felt weak.
The conversation quickly descended into farce, with Grothe professing his love for the scammer and joking that his whole family was helping him write messages because he was ‘so emotional’.
The scammer, perhaps sensing the game was up, tried to steer things back to business, asking for money via PayPal or Amazon gift cards.
Grothe, ever the entertainer, played dumb, sent a video of his car’s fuel gauge instead of a gift card code, and even claimed his ex had come back into his life.
By the end, the scammer was exasperated, accusing Grothe of not respecting them and complaining about his constant talk of his ex. Grothe’s final message? ‘I think I’m done.’ The scammer’s reply: ‘OK.’ And just like that, the tables were well and truly turned.
But behind the laughs, there’s a serious message here. According to ScamWatch, Australians have reported over 72,000 scams this year alone, with losses topping $118 million.
Gift card scams, like the one Grothe encountered, are especially common because they’re hard to trace and offer little recourse for victims.
ScamWatch warns that scammers are experts at tugging on your heartstrings and creating believable stories. They’ll use any tactic—guilt, urgency, even romance—to get you to part with your money or personal information.
Their advice? Always be wary of unsolicited requests for money, especially if you can’t independently verify the story. Never give more than you’re willing to lose, and if something feels off, trust your instincts.
If you do get caught up in a scam, act quickly. Contact your bank, report the incident to ScamWatch, and don’t be embarrassed—these fraudsters are professionals, and anyone can be targeted.
Eric Grothe Jnr’s story is a reminder that a little humour and a lot of caution can go a long way. While not everyone has the time or inclination to toy with scammers, it’s always worth remembering that you have the power to say no, ask questions, and protect yourself.
Have you ever received a suspicious message or been targeted by a scammer? Did you play along, ignore it, or report it? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—let’s help each other stay one step ahead of the scammers!
Also read: Scammed out of $10,000? One man’s story exposes a worldwide fraud ring
