Scammers using the image of someone famous to commit fraud is an increasing problem.
Fake celebrity scams can take many different forms.
Often fraudsters will create fake social media profiles or websites that impersonate well-known celebrities.
These scammers may reach out to unsuspecting individuals through direct messages, emails, or comments or pretend that a celebrity is endorsing their product or service..
The fact that a well-known person appears to be involved often reassures people that it is okay to part with their money. The scammers rely on the good reputation of the celebrity to defraud their victims.
How To Spot A Celebrity Scam.
Check for verification: Some major social media platforms, such as Instagram, have a verification badge for verified accounts. Look for this badge next to the celebrity’s name to ensure that you are interacting with the official account. But do be aware X (formerly known as Twitter) allows any user with more than 2,500 followers to have a blue tick.
- Count the numbers: If a well-known person’s social media account doesn’t have many followers it’s almost certainly a fake account. Compare the number of followers with similar celebrities to get an idea of how many people should be following the account.
Watch for inconsistencies: Pay attention to details such as spelling and grammar errors. Scammers often make mistakes that can be red flags for fraudulent activity.
Be wary of unsolicited messages: If a celebrity you have never met reaches out to you out-of-the-blue then it’s incredibly likely to be a scam.
Trust your instincts: If something feels too good to be true it’s important to listen to your gut instinct.
- Ask friends and family: If you are unsure whether something is a scam, ask your friends and family for their opinion. Talk through how likely it is that a celebrity would contact you.