Celebrity impersonation scam

Scammers clone celebrity profiles or pose as a star's 'private account' and reach out to fans. After weeks of flattering conversation, the requests start: fan club fees, gift cards, crypto investments 'they personally use', or help with a fabricated emergency. Real celebrities do not DM fans asking for money.

• A celebrity contacts you first and quickly moves to a private channel
• Requests for gift cards, crypto, or 'fan membership' fees
• The account is newly created or slightly misspelled
• They can't video call but always have a reason

"Hello my dear fan, this is my private account. I'm so glad you found me. I'm launching a fan foundation — would you like to be part of it? A small donation secures your membership card."

1. 01Assume any celebrity who DMs you about money is fake.
2. 02Look for verified badges and check the account's age and history.
3. 03Never send gift cards or crypto to someone you haven't met.
4. 04Report the account to the platform and block it.