Fraud experts have revealed the growing list of celebrities whose images are being used in online scams. Thieves stole more than £750million via fraud in the first half of 2021, according to banking trade association UK Finance.
And they are increasingly impersonating well-known stars of sport, stage and screen to trick vulnerable victims into sending them cash. Chloe Roche, fraud team leader at CEL Solicitors, who have represented hundreds of people caught out by such scams, revealed committed celebrity fans are often targeted.
She said: “They are already engaged with the high-profile personalities they admire, and scammers try to foster a personal connection before asking for money. These people are master manipulators who often put hours, days and even months into nurturing each ‘relationship’.
