⚠️CYBERCRIME ALERT RE FAKE CELEBRITY AND PUBLIC FIGURE PROFILES ON SOCIAL MEDIA⚠️

PLEASE BEWARE OF FAKE CELEBRITY AND PUBLIC FIGURE PROFILES CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Fraudsters are increasingly creating fake social media profiles and adverts that impersonate trusted celebrities, television personalities, campaigners, and other public figures. These cloned accounts often copy genuine photos, videos, biographies, and posts to appear legitimate. They are commonly used to promote fake investment opportunities, cryptocurrency schemes, prize giveaways, and other scams designed to steal your money, personal information, or both.

Some examples recently reported include profiles using the names of:

How to Spot a Fake Profile

🔍 Unexpected private messages asking for money, investments, gift cards, or personal details.

🔍 Posts or adverts promising guaranteed profits, quick wealth, or exclusive offers.

🔍 Links directing you to unfamiliar websites that request personal, banking, or payment information.

🔍 Videos that appear genuine but use AI-generated voices or manipulated footage to promote products or investments.

🔍 Newly created accounts with limited history, followers, or engagement.

🔍 Claims that an offer is only available for a very short time and that you must act immediately. Urgency should always be treated as a major red flag.

How To Protect Yourself

✅ Never send money or share financial information via direct messages.

✅ Be sceptical of celebrity endorsements for investments and cryptocurrency opportunities.

✅ Verify information through official websites and trusted sources.

✅ Report fake accounts and adverts directly to the social media platform.

✅ Consider checking suspicious links, messages and adverts using the free Ask Silver scam checker available at -  https://www.asksilver.com 

Before you pay out any money or give out any information.  Remember Your ABC.

A – Assume nothing,  B – Believe nothing,  C – Check everything and then check again 
 

If you are the victim of Fraud or Cybercrime 

🌐 Inform Report Fraud online here -  UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud 

☎️ Or telephone Report Fraud on - 0300 123 2040.

☎️ If you have lost money or shared financial details, contact your bank immediately by calling 159.

Help Protect Others

Please share this message with friends and family, particularly those who may be less confident online, to help keep our communities across Devon and Cornwall safe.