According to News.au.com, many international stars have recently become targets of online scams through impersonation on social media. The latest victim is Sandra Bullock, the acclaimed actress known for Ocean’s 8.
Sandra Bullock Speaks Out on Social Media Scam
In a statement to People magazine on February 3, Bullock expressed her deep concern about scammers using her image to deceive vulnerable individuals.
“The safety of my family, as well as the innocent people being exploited, is my deep concern. There will come a time when I will say more, but right now, I am focused on helping law enforcement solve this problem,” Bullock shared.
Notably, Bullock is one of the rare Hollywood stars who does not use any social media. Any accounts under her name are fake. She only became aware of the scam when her sister, Gesine, informed her that someone was impersonating her on Facebook.
Brad Pitt Impersonation Scams Cost Victims Hundreds of Thousands
Bullock is not the only celebrity facing such issues. In January, a 53-year-old French interior designer named Anne appeared on the TV show Seven to Eight and revealed that she had lost almost her entire life savings—about $800,000—to a scammer impersonating Brad Pitt.
The fraudster used AI technology to create highly realistic fake images and videos, leading Anne to believe she was in a romantic relationship with the Hollywood actor. The “fake Pitt” frequently sent her love poems and heartfelt confessions while avoiding direct phone or video calls, citing a busy schedule. He even proposed to her, deepening her trust before persuading her to send money.
This is not the first time Pitt’s name has been used in an online scam. In September 2023, Spanish police arrested five individuals accused of defrauding two women out of a total of 325,000 euros ($338,000) by posing as Pitt through online messages and WhatsApp. The scammers created fake social media accounts, gained the victims’ trust, and then lured them into investing in fraudulent projects.
When authorities searched the suspects' homes, they seized multiple mobile phones, bank cards, two computers, and a diary containing scripted phrases used to manipulate victims.
Johnny Depp Warns Fans About AI-Generated Scams
Johnny Depp has also spoken out about AI-powered scams. In a social media post, the actor warned fans that scammers are using artificial intelligence to create realistic deepfake videos and messages that mimic his appearance and voice.
“AI can create a face and voice that look exactly like me. So scammers can look and talk just like me. My team and I will never ask you for money or personal information,” Depp stated.
To help fans avoid falling victim to these scams, Depp listed all the official social media accounts he uses and emphasized that he does not have accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, or Discord.
As AI technology advances, online scams involving celebrity impersonations are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Authorities and celebrities alike continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with suspicious accounts.
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