Celebrity scam artist fraud

Swindles come in many varieties, but they all work the same way: A scammer poses as someone you trust in order to convince you to send him money. And that’s exactly what these celebrity impostors try to do.

So what should you do if a celebrity contacts you on social media asking for money?

• Calm down. Before sending money, talk to someone you trust.

• Do some research: Search the Internet for the celebrity’s name and the term “scam.” Do the same with any charity or cause you are asked to support – and learn more about charity scams here.

• Never send money, gift cards or prepaid cards to people you don’t know or haven’t met – even celebrities you know through social media.

• If you have sent money to a scammer, contact the company you sent the money to (your bank, wire transfer service, gift card company, or prepaid card company). Let them know that the transaction was fraudulent. Ask the company to reverse the transaction if possible.

• Be extra vigilant with cryptocurrency-related emails, websites, or supposedly surefire investments, as cryptocurrency-related scams are becoming increasingly popular.

• Use two-factor authentication wherever you can. 2FA is a way to prevent unauthorized access to your credentials or network – so better safe than sorry!

• Educate yourself on the latest trends in cybersecurity so you know what kind of scams to expect and what to do when your favorite celebrity lands in your inbox.

• Reach out to a managed service provider (MSP) or IT professional for guidance on suspicious emails – even if it’s just as a best practice.

• Report your experience to the social media site and the FTC.