AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Celebrity Scams in the Age of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new shiny object that has captured the world’s attention. It’s also captured the attention of criminal scammers who are using it to make their fraudulent schemes more realistic than ever. One area where AI scams are particularly dangerous is celebrity impostor scams.

For many years criminals have been impersonating celebrities online to steal from fans. Fake celebrity profiles offer fans personal connection, VIP access, investment opportunities or the chance to support favorite charities. These criminals attempt to create a bond through messaging or even a phone call from their “rep.” With the power of AI, these scams can move from messaging to deepfake videos. Recent fake celebrity product endorsements impersonating Dolly Parton, Elon Musk and Tom Hanks demonstrate just how convincing these schemes can be.

Posting on a celebrity’s social media account might be exciting, but it could put you at risk of this impostor scam. In whatever way you choose to enjoy your favorite celebs, do so recognizing that an opportunity to personally connect with them is likely a scam.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

With about 1 million members in Virginia, AARP is the largest organization working on behalf of people age 50-plus and their families in the Commonwealth. To learn more about how AARP Virginia is working in your community, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aarpvirginia and follow @AARPVa on X at www.X.com/aarpva.

 

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.