Giovanni Pernice has issued a stark warning to fans to be vigilant of 'imposters' on social media, after a fan of the Strictly Come Dancing star was conned by a fraudster on social media.
As he entertains audiences across the country with his show alongside Giovanni judge Anton Du Beke and get ready to return for the next series of the BBC show, Giovanni took to Instagram on Friday afternoon, having been concerned by an incident involving a fan hours earlier. Giovanni posted a video to his grid in which he explained: "This morning I arrived at the theatre and reception called and said there is a young lady downstairs, because apparently I gave her a time and a place to meet."
Going into more details, Giovanni, who won Strictly in 2021 with Rose Ayling-Ellis, continued: "She said we spoke last night on Facetime and we exchanged pictures," before adding that things took a turn, when the woman in question, sent £3,000 to the man pretending to be him.
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The pro dancer went onto say while he appreciated that Instagram and Facebook were 'huge platforms' they were also 'very dangerous', adding: "All I'm trying to say, is that if you engage in conversation with me, this is the only profile I've got. So if, at the moment, you're talking to 'Giovanni Pernice' and it's not on this profile, it's not me. I'm very sorry if any of you have been in this situation, but I'm just trying to prevent what could be the future. It's very bad, as what happened this morning was very sad, seeing this woman very upset. "
Giovanni's post quickly got lots of comments, with Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas replying: "very sad indeed" and one of his many followers writing: "This is so sad and I hope the poor lady gets her money back somehow. It must be awful for both of you."
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