Panthers Imposter Scams People Out Of Thousands

Officials for the Carolina Panthers said someone pretending to be lineman Travelle Wharton has conned victims out of $25,000.

Panther security officials are investigating at least three incidents. They said one incident came before this year's CIAA tournament in Charlotte.

Officials said Wharton's imposter told an Atlanta woman he'd promote a party for a $5,000 dollar fee. She handed over the money, and got nothing in return.

"Our players don't raise money that way," Gene Brown said, Director of Security for the Panthers. "People just need to be very cautious when they get approached."

Brown said Wharton's impersonator went as far as to get a bank card with Wharton's name, using it in gentleman's clubs around Charlotte.

Wharton describes himself as a married, stay-at-home guy who's being misrepresented.

"He's duped a lot of people out of a lot of money, and I feel bad for those people," Wharton said. "But he really doesn't care about those people."

Police in Pineville and Charlotte are aware of the crimes, but neither would release further information.

Wharton's warning: Be cautious and ask questions. "Don't just take their word," he said. "If you see me out, question me, I don't care. But just be cautious."

Security officials said another Panther, Charles Godfrey, was also the victim of an impersonator at one point in 2008.

As for Wharton's case, officials said they believe they know who the imposter is, but no one has been charged yet.

This issue is not only affecting the Panthers. Earlier this month, a Colorado man was found guilty of identity theft after impersonating one of the Denver Broncos.