A Vancouver man named Roger Winsel, 54, claims he has been in an online relationship with WWE wrestler Liv Morgan for the past 6-7 months, despite being married to his wife Lori for 31 years. Roger, who works as a line cook, believed he was communicating with the real Liv Morgan through social media platform X (formerly Twitter), exchanging daily messages and receiving around 100 photos, including casual selfies without makeup.
The situation came to light when Roger’s wife Lori discovered concerning text messages on his phone, including one where Roger told the alleged Morgan that his wife would be “dead within 3 to 6 months” and they could “work this thing out” once she was “out of the picture.” Lori, who is battling an aggressive cancer that has spread from her kidney to her gallbladder, reached out to investigators concerned her husband was being catfished.
The Engagement Ring and Financial Impact
Despite being married, Roger had “proposed” to the fake Liv Morgan profile with a $1,200 ring he described as “temporary until I can get her the one she wants.” He acknowledged he would likely “go in debt” for the eventual permanent ring. The couple has been living separately for six years, with Roger residing in his truck, though they still interact.
History of Multiple Scams
During the investigation, Roger admitted to previously interacting with approximately 15 fake Liv Morgan profiles and sending money to around six of them, totaling about $4,000. His pattern was consistent: “Soon as they’d ask me for money I either send it or I deleted,” Roger admitted.
Initially, Roger claimed this latest profile was different because they hadn’t requested money, stating “TI has never asked me for money ever…that’s why I think that this one’s the real one.” However, he later revealed he had sent funds for a plane ticket when the profile claimed “WWE…they have to keep an eye on her” and she couldn’t travel independently.
Investigation Reveals Nigerian Connection
Social Catfish investigators determined the profile was being operated from Lagos, Nigeria. When they analyzed an IP tracker embedded in a link sent to the profile, it confirmed the account’s location. The scammer had sent Winsel a fake New Jersey driver’s license as proof of identity.
“You are now on their list,” investigator David told Winsel. “The moment that you sent money to one of these profiles, they put you on this list.” When confronted with the evidence that the profile was fake, Roger appeared unsurprised, acknowledging “I didn’t think so” about it being the real Liv Morgan.
The case shows how romance scammers often repeatedly target vulnerable individuals using fake celebrity profiles, especially after successfully obtaining money from them in previous scams. Investigators warned that celebrities like Morgan are frequently impersonated by scammers who target wrestling fans and others, usually with requests for money through gift cards or wire transfers. They advised anyone encountering celebrity profiles requesting funds to treat them as suspicious, as legitimate stars have no need to solicit money from fans.
