A woman known for sharing advice on avoiding scams through social media platforms found herself a victim when her passport and driving licence were potentially cloned, resulting in an attempt to fraudulently take out loans in her name. Julie-Anne Kearns, a 47-year-old NHS worker from Poole, Dorset, began using TikTok to raise awareness about scams after experiencing a dating scam in November 2022. Despite her efforts to stay vigilant and keep her personal information private, fraudsters managed to steal her identity, leading to potential fraudulent loan applications with different companies.
Julie-Anne’s ordeal started with a Facebook message from someone posing as a military surgeon named Andrew, who tried to manipulate her into sending money under the guise of a romantic connection. Realising it was a scam, Julie-Anne took to social media to warn others, garnering over 10,000 followers on TikTok under the handle @staysafewithmjules. Despite her best efforts, she received a letter in January 2024 stating an account was opened in her name fraudulently, prompting her to take immediate action by locking her credit file to prevent further unauthorized access.
The impact of identity theft has left Julie-Anne feeling shocked and vulnerable, raising concerns about how her personal information was compromised despite her caution. To aid in the investigation, she reported the incident to the police and Action Fraud. In December 2024, she discovered attempts to secure loans in her name, leading her to lock her credit file through Experian as a precautionary measure. She remains on edge, worried about potential future fraud attempts.
Despite her distressing experience, Julie-Anne continues to use her platform to raise awareness about scams, urging others to speak out and seek help if they fall victim to fraudulent activities. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about potential scams and taking proactive steps to safeguard personal information. The prevalence of identity theft highlights the need for improved security measures and vigilance, even for those well-versed in scam prevention techniques.
As Julie-Anne navigates the aftermath of identity theft, she emphasises the emotional toll of feeling betrayed and violated by those seeking to exploit her personal information for financial gain. Her journey serves as a cautionary tale for others, illustrating the unforeseen risks that come with engaging online and sharing personal details. By sharing her story, Julie-Anne hopes to empower others to be proactive in protecting themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes, highlighting the importance of advocating for one’s safety in the digital landscape.