Scams involving impersonations of celebrities and military officials are making the rounds again.
The scams are designed to steal money through romance schemes, fake investments, and merchandise fraud.
Common scams include romance frauds where victims believe they’re in online relationships with well-known figures, often involving requests for money.
So-called “pig butchering” scams also target individuals with fake investment opportunities endorsed by fake celebrity or official profiles. Merchandise scams involve buyers purchasing fake or exclusive items from impersonators.
Authorities recommend consumers avoid sharing personal financial details, sending money, or opening bank accounts for online acquaintances. They warn against trusting caller ID, as scammers can spoof numbers, and urge caution with unusual payment requests, especially via gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Artificial intelligence can create realistic deepfake videos and audio of well-known individuals, further complicating scams. Officials advise verifying any urgent requests for money and reporting suspicious activity to the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team toll-free at 877-765-8388.