I would not do it, but if one has decided to invent an imaginary person, and have them interact with people online only, it’s not at all hard to do.
In today’s easily triggered world, this sort of scam has never been easier for the ambitious but deceitful person. People create grand and elaborate social causes out of thin air. Some may do it as a Lark, to see how many would be gullible to take them seriously.
“R” has entered the chat.