Johnny Depp has started the new year by cautioning fans about a troubling wave of social media scams using his likeness.
In a January Instagram post, the Pirates of the Caribbean star extended New Year wishes to his followers before addressing the scams. “Sadly, it has been brought to my attention that online scammers are intensifying their efforts to target my fans and supporters,” Depp wrote. “They create deceptive social media and email accounts impersonating me and members of my team.”
Depp highlighted the use of AI in these schemes, explaining that scammers can mimic his voice and appearance. He emphasized that neither he nor his team will ever ask for money or personal information, adding, “We are actively working to combat these illicit schemes.”
For fans’ protection, Depp clarified that his official accounts are limited to Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and that he does not use platforms like Snapchat, Discord, or X (formerly Twitter). He also warned against offers for paid meetings, phone calls, memberships, or fan cards, urging fans to regard such requests as scams.
“I never interact directly with fans through social media, email, or chat apps,” he said, reiterating that neither he nor his team will request personal or financial information.
This warning follows a Gizmodo report detailing the rise of Depp impersonation scams. A Freedom of Information Act request to the FTC revealed 197 complaints nationwide in the past year, with victims often targeted on platforms like Facebook before being lured to apps like Telegram or WhatsApp. Scammers used payment methods such as Bitcoin, Zelle, and PayPal, causing significant losses—one victim reportedly lost $350,000.
Depp is not alone in addressing such issues. Celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, and Brad Pitt have similarly warned fans about scammers exploiting their identities. Depp himself issued a similar caution in June 2022 regarding fraudulent accounts pretending to be him.
Fans are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help combat these ongoing schemes.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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