As allegations of identity theft, "stolen" money and deception mount, a gay Christchurch man has now confirmed he took money from people who empathised with the apparent difficulties faced by his made-up internet identity and wanted to help. An image appropriated to represent 'Kosmo Krator' Facing calls for victims of the deception to report the matter to the police, 44-year old John McKeage last evening admitted to GayNZ.com that he has been using the mid-20s 'Kosmo Krator' identity in social networking and dating sites since 2001, based on photos gleaned from other web sites and some elements of his own life story. He says he now regrets his actions. "My plan now is to stop these lies," says McKeage. "I want this solved, and I'm willing to sit down and talk to the people affected." The allegations first surfaced on Facebook when one of McKeage's benefactors began to suspect he was being duped and wondered if any other gay men had also been taken in by the attractive, young, rugby playing Kosmo Krator persona. A growing number of men started posting their experiences, expressing anger and describing their interactions with the fake identity which included giving financial and emotional support. "I feel sick to my stomach," says one such man. "I feel totally cheated," says another. Meanwhile, McKeage's apparent connection to a real Christchurch rugby club and Kosmo's posting of voyeuristic changing room-style photos have created concerns. GayNZ.com has attempted to get comment from the club but they have yet to return messages. Likewise, an attempt to contact the young American whose photo McKeage used on his profiles has so far drawn a blank.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 9th January 2010 - 1:30am