Image via Amy Sussman / Getty
Kevin Hart was reportedly the victim of a million-dollar scam by one of his employees.
According to TMZ, the comedian’s personal shopper, Dylan Syer, is accused of defrauding Hart by $ 1.2 million between October 2017 and February 2019. New York prosecutors say Syer started working for Hart in 2015 and started to build the actor’s trust through authorized purchases; however, over the years, Syer reportedly started using Hart’s credit card to put money into his own account.
Queens County prosecutor Melinda Katz says the personal shopper used the stolen funds to buy extravagant items, including everything from a painting by Sam Friedman and several Louis Vuitton handbags to 16 Bearbrick collectibles and five Patek Philippe watches valued at more than $ 400,000. The prosecutor is now trying to confiscate Syer’s assets up to the amount he allegedly stole.
“No one is immune from being targeted by fraudsters …”, said Katz in a press release. “The defendant thought he was out of reach and was living out his super-rich lifestyle fantasies. But my team found out about the fake purchases – from credit card charges processed by the bank to tracking FedEx packages delivered to Syer’s home and company. This should serve as a cautionary tale for everyone. Regardless of whether you are a celebrity or not, anyone can fall victim to this type of fraud. It is critical to keep track of your expenses, check your credit reports and diligently keep your financial information for yourself. “
Syer was charged with first and second degree theft, criminal possession of first and second degree stolen property, first degree identity theft and a scheme to defraud first degree. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Syer is due to appear in court on February 17.
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