Even filthy rich celebrities fall victim to scamming ploys just like regular folk. According to TMZ (http://www.tmz.com/2012/06/05/penny-marshall-lamar-odom-assistant-scam/), famed director Penny Marshall reportedly fell victim to one such scam, as she reportedly dished out several thousand dollars to a man who claimed to be NBA star Lamar Odom's 'assistant':
Sources tell TMZ the double-cross started at a Lakers game last month … when a man claiming to be LO’s assistant gave Penny a phone number he said was Lamar’s.
We’re told Penny and the person she thought was Lamar texted back and forth for several days — when finally “Lamar” asked her to loan his assistant a chunk o’ cash. Ever the faithful Lakers fan, Penny forked over more than five grand to the faux “assistant.”
Penny has now filed a report with LAPD and reportedly they have opened a grand theft investigation.
That’s a warning to all to never believe the 'I work for so and so' line as it could mean a scam is running afoot.


http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/msn/penny_marshall_ripped_off_by_lamar_odoms_assistant/10944785