How Eric Grothe Jnr Turned the Tables on a Gift Card Scammer

• Scam Awareness
• Gift Card Scams
• Eric Grothe

Parramatta Eels legend Eric Grothe Jnr hilariously exposed a scammer pretending to need medical help—highlighting how humour and awareness can thwart online cons.

Rugby Star Outsmarts Online Scammer With Humour and Cunning

Former NRL star Eric Grothe Jnr recently became the unexpected hero in a viral scam-awareness moment when he cleverly outwitted a scammer on social media. The scammer, posing as someone in desperate need of US$200 for 'medicine', had no idea they were messaging a man with both a sharp mind and a great sense of humour.

The Setup: A Familiar Sob Story

It began like many online scams do—with a message filled with urgency and emotional manipulation. The scammer pleaded for help, claiming they were unwell and needed money to buy medicine. But Grothe wasn't buying it.

Eric Fights Back—With Wit

Instead of blocking the scammer, Grothe decided to play along. He asked for proof—a photo holding a sign with his name on it. The scammer obliged, sending back a laughably bad Photoshop job. Eric raised the stakes by asking for another photo with four fingers up.

As the scammer faltered, Grothe ramped up the absurdity. He invented a backstory about inheriting $4.5 million and wanting to share it with a 'trustworthy' person. Sensing a jackpot, the scammer offered to settle for just $2,000.

The Bizarre Climax

Grothe peppered the conversation with humorous references and fake emotional confessions. When the scammer asked for gift cards or PayPal funds, Grothe responded with irrelevant photos—like his car’s fuel gauge—and claimed his ex had returned, stealing his attention and heart.

The exasperated scammer eventually gave up, accusing Grothe of disrespect and emotional manipulation. Eric’s final sign-off? A simple, “I think I’m done.”

Behind the Laughter: A Serious Message

Grothe’s antics are hilarious, but they highlight a sobering reality: scam reports are rising fast in Australia. According to ScamWatch, more than 72,000 scams have been reported in 2025, with losses topping $118 million. Gift card scams are especially dangerous because they’re hard to trace and often irreversible.

Tips to Protect Yourself

• Be cautious of unsolicited messages asking for help or money.
• Never share gift card details, personal info, or financial data with strangers.
• If something feels off, it probably is—trust your gut.
• Report scams to ScamWatch and inform your bank immediately if money has been transferred.

Stay Informed and Empowered

While not everyone may have the time to troll scammers like Grothe, his approach reminds us that knowledge is power. Don’t rush. Ask questions. Verify stories. And don’t hesitate to say “no.”

Have a scam story or tip of your own? Share it in the comments and help others stay one step ahead of the fraudsters.