Kaylah Walton
Internet scams are evolving to appear more convincing, increasing the likelihood of individuals falling prey to them.
Fraudsters bolster these scams’ credibility by incorporating familiar images and names. While numerous celebrities have been misused for various scams, only a few manage to rank among the top due to their effectiveness.
This information was reported by McAfee, a prominent cybersecurity firm that provides solutions to safeguard individuals and organizations against online threats.
“With cybercriminals employing advanced AI methods to craft increasingly realistic scams, the danger is escalating, and using celebrity names lures unsuspecting consumers,” noted Abhishek Karnik, the firm’s threat management head.
Karnik offered tips on how to avoid these scams: “People should stay alert and think carefully before tapping links.
Although not all AI-generated content is harmful, distinguishing between genuine and fake material is becoming increasingly challenging,” he cautioned.
As the names of these celebrities continue to be misused, McAfee advises individuals to remain vigilant, as fraudsters are developing new tactics to deceive online users.
Top 10 Celebrities Frequently Targeted in Online Scams
The list features a mix of five actresses, two actors, two singers, and one model, all from the U.S:
- Scarlett Johansson: Often used in deceptive online promotions.
- Kylie Jenner: Associated with fake giveaways and scam sites.
- Taylor Swift: Falsely linked to sweepstakes and phony news.
- Anya Taylor-Joy: Her profile was compromised and employed to spread misinformation.
- Tom Hanks: Connected to bogus ‘miracle cures.’
- Sabrina Carpenter: Targeted for selling counterfeit tickets.
- Sydney Sweeney: Involved in cryptocurrency-related frauds.
- Blake Lively: Linked to scams promoting weight loss products.
- Johnny Depp: Featured in various fraudulent operations.
- Addison Rae: Also caught in scam activities.
