Scammers Impersonating Celebrities Target Michigan Residents
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a warning about a rising trend of scams where con artists mimic famous personalities to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Nessel emphasized that if a celebrity reaches out asking for money, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Recent reports highlight scammers posing as iconic figures including Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, and even military leaders, crafting elaborate schemes to steal money from victims. "Scammers are always inventing new methods to defraud people by posing as celebrities or public officials," Nessel stated.
Three prevalent types of scams are particularly concerning: romance scams, where victims believe they are in online relationships with celebrities and are coerced into sending money; “pig butchering” scams that involve fake investment opportunities touted by well-known figures; and merchandise scams that request payments for exclusive items from impersonators.
Nessel noted the increasing danger of artificial intelligence in these scams, as scammers utilize AI to produce realistic deepfake audio and video, further misleading victims.
To combat these threats, Nessel’s office has provided several consumer protection tips. Individuals are advised to avoid opening bank accounts or reshipping goods for strangers, refrain from sending money or sensitive personal information to online contacts, and always communicate through designated apps to maintain privacy.
Additionally, the public should be wary of high-pressure requests for immediate action or requests for payment through untraceable means like gift cards or cryptocurrencies.
For those who suspect they have been targeted or want to report a scam, Nessel’s office encourages filing a complaint through their Consumer Protection Team.
For further information, residents can contact their local office or access the Attorney General’s website.
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