FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. GovernmentYour phone rings with Taylor Swift saying you can receive exclusive tickets to a private concert for a fee. Gordon Ramsey reaches out saying you won a prize of a deluxe cookware set; you only have to pay the shipping cost. Or Dolly Parton asks you to donate to her charity with cryptocurrency. What do all these have in common? They are celebrity imposter scams.
Why is this con so effective?
The scammers are in it for the long haul. They are taking the time to nurture relationships and use information gained to further entrap you. Scammers will also adjust tactics based on your individual interests or lifestyle. For example, in conversation, if you are sharing comments of being lonely, scammers will adapt and turn to a romance con. If you are altruistic, a charity scam may be a more effective tactic. The con could last anywhere from a few months to several years long.
In addition to the time dedicated to getting to know you, enhancing technologies have also made these cons feel exceptionally real. Deepfakes and voice cloning are used to impersonate the celebrity and convince the victim. In reality, scammers only need three seconds of audio to recreate a voice. Given the plethora of content out there online with celebrities, these scams have become highly convincing.
How to Identity and Protect Yourself from Celebrity Scams
If you are asked to pay for any of the below, the experience the “celebrity” is offering you is very likely a scam.
- Pay upfront via wire transfer, prepaid gift cards, cryptocurrency
- Purchase exclusive tickets to a private concert or meet and greet
- Participate in investments
- Prize giveaway fee
If you find yourself in any of these situations, pause and think before acting. Be skeptical! Consider how realistic it is for a celebrity to be in contact with you. Search the word “scam” after a celebrity’s name to see if others have experienced something similar. Keep your information private, especially financial information. If money has been sent or financial information shared, contact your financial institution immediately. If done promptly, the possibility of reversing the transaction is greater.
