A significant rise in celebrity romance scams has resulted in victims losing billions globally. Recent reports reveal that Americans alone lost approximately $672 million to these fraudulent schemes in 2024. The scams often target vulnerable individuals, exploiting emotional attachments to well-known figures.
One of the most poignant stories is that of Margaret, a 73-year-old retired office manager. After developing an online relationship with who she believed to be actor Kevin Costner, she wired over $100,000 in bitcoin, convinced she was about to embark on a new life with him. Her dream shattered when she received a message claiming that Costner had been in a car crash. In reality, there was no crash, and Costner was never involved. Margaret’s story highlights the growing prevalence of celebrity impersonation scams that manipulate lonely individuals through social media platforms.
Celebrity Scams Exploit Emotional Connections
The methods employed by scammers are increasingly sophisticated. They often create elaborate narratives involving fake family members and spiritual connections, isolating victims from their friends and family. This emotional manipulation is particularly effective among older women, who are frequently targeted for their perceived vulnerability. Scammers impersonate older, “trustworthy” male celebrities like Keanu Reeves and Jonathan Roumie, known for his role as Jesus in the series *The Chosen*.
In an investigative piece by Rebecca Keegan in the *Hollywood Reporter*, the dynamics of these scams are laid bare. She created a fake social media persona named Linda, a widowed 65-year-old, to expose the tactics used by these fraudsters. Within a short period, Linda received numerous direct messages from impersonators, including one persistent scammer posing as Keanu Reeves. This individual attempted to extract money by offering fake fan club memberships and using manipulated AI voice memos to sound like the actor.
The Dark Economy Behind Scams
The impact of these scams extends beyond individual victims. Once a person is scammed, their information can be sold, turning them into repeat targets for other fraudsters. The industry behind these scams is vast and often operates from Southeast Asia, where individuals may be trafficked and coerced into running these scams for long hours.
Many celebrities are aware of the misuse of their likenesses. Keanu Reeves has taken proactive steps to combat impersonation by employing a company called Loti, which tracks down and removes fake profiles. In the past year, Loti has issued nearly 40,000 takedown requests for impersonators of Reeves alone. Nevertheless, challenges persist, particularly with social media platforms like Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook. Reports indicate that the response time for addressing impersonation claims can take days or even weeks, allowing scammers to continue their operations unchecked.
Margaret’s experience is not an isolated incident. Following her interaction with the fake Costner, she found herself ensnared by new impostors, including one posing as Jonathan Roumie. Her family struggles to convince her of the deception, as her belief in these fabricated relationships deepens. The emotional toll on victims is profound, and the lack of a straightforward solution raises concerns about the future of online safety.
As the prevalence of these scams continues to climb, the need for immediate action from social media companies and law enforcement becomes increasingly urgent. The emotional devastation experienced by victims like Margaret serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in our digital age, where trust can be easily exploited.
