The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. To learn more about imposter scams, visit FTC.gov/imposters. Report your experience to the social media site and to the FTC.Ask the company to reverse the transaction, if it’s possible. If you sent money to a scammer, contact the company you used to send the money (your bank, wire transfer service, gift card company, or prepaid debit card company).Never send money, gift cards or prepaid debit cards to someone you don’t know or haven’t met – even celebrities you meet on social media.Do some research: search online for the celebrity’s name plus “scam.” Do the same with any charity or cause they’re asking you to support-and learn more about charity scams here.Before you send money, talk with someone you trust. So what should you do if a celebrity contacts you on social media and asks for money? And that’s exactly what these celebrity imposters are trying to do. Imposter scams come in many varieties, but they all work the same way: a scammer pretends to be someone you trust to convince you to send them money. But you want to be sure the cause-and the person asking you to support it-are real. Some celebs do raise money for legitimate causes. They’re asking fans to send money for all kinds of supposed reasons – like claiming a prize, donating to a charity, or giving help of some kind.

Identity Theft and Online Security Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu itemsĭid your favorite celebrity reach out to you on social media?īefore you get too excited, are you sure it’s that person? Really sure? We’ve heard reports that scammers, who will try just about anything to separate you from your money, are now posing as celebrities on social media.Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items.Money-Making Opportunities and Investments.Jobs and Making Money Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items.

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