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Famous (ish) person messaging me

296 replies

Cat2014 · 23/09/2023 23:48

I have been chatting to someone who is kind of famous not like seriously film actor famous but social influencer. For a worth while cause , loads of followers and been in the news a lot fairly recently etc.
They have added me to a personal chat and we have been messaging and I think getting closer. I however keep thinking is this actually them? Could it be a member of their ‘staff’ just messing about? How can I trust that their messages are real?

I really like this person and I’m worried in case I’m being duped or something. Has anyone got any advice?

OP posts:
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Ikeepmybumcheekshidden · 24/09/2023 18:30

Just be careful there's some very, very clever catfishing scammers out there! Also FaceTime doesn't always prove it's really them. I read about a woman who was duped into thinking they were dating a celebrity and they managed to put a video onto FaceTime with no sound and then changed their voice to sound like the celebrity's voice so that they could respond to her questions!
To me it was obvious that the mouth movements didn't match up but she fell for it hook line & sinker!

Ikeepmybumcheekshidden · 24/09/2023 18:31

Ramalangadingdong · 24/09/2023 04:25

You sound quite vulnerable so I would proceed with caution.

What a nasty thing to say. You bully

Ramalangadingdong · 24/09/2023 18:49

Ikeepmybumcheekshidden · 24/09/2023 18:31

What a nasty thing to say. You bully

Can you please explain why it is nasty or bullying to say someone sounds vulnerable? I consider myself vulnerable at times, but I don’t think I am bullying myself. Anyone can be vulnerable.

SmileyClare · 24/09/2023 19:00

I think that poster is assuming you mean “Vulnerable Person” as classified by the state. For example the DSS would define ia VP as someone unable to protect themselves due to mental or physical disability.

I think it’s clear you mean op has a lack of confidence/ low self esteem so potentially more vulnerable to her weaknesses being taken advantage of.

In the same way as someone might take advantage of someone’s kindness.

I don’t think you were being insulting!

Ramalangadingdong · 24/09/2023 19:11

SmileyClare · 24/09/2023 19:00

I think that poster is assuming you mean “Vulnerable Person” as classified by the state. For example the DSS would define ia VP as someone unable to protect themselves due to mental or physical disability.

I think it’s clear you mean op has a lack of confidence/ low self esteem so potentially more vulnerable to her weaknesses being taken advantage of.

In the same way as someone might take advantage of someone’s kindness.

I don’t think you were being insulting!

I didn’t really know about the DSS definition. That makes sense now. Thanks for explaining.

I think I also meant that it could be a scam.

Cat2014 · 24/09/2023 19:41

SmileyClare · 24/09/2023 15:30

The initial contact (initiated by you) on the influencer’s public page was likely genuine.

But to then be approached/asked to move to a private chat to get to know each other was likely not.

People trawl public forums to target fans in this way, posing as the “celebrity”

I think you’ve taken the advice on board and I’d like to say how sorry I am this has happened. You sound like a kind person and it must feel very unsettling and upsetting. Flowers

Theres no reason not to continue following this particular influencer on their public page.
You will probably feel better if you can report this and warn other fans.

Thanks, the thing is it was all on the same chat thread so either it was never the real person all along and a scammer had their messenger hacked from the start, or a scammer has hacked their messenger between the initial conversations and this later contact..

OP posts:
WingingItSince1973 · 24/09/2023 19:48

@EddieMunson yes that was it. Thank you. Was thinking I'd dreamt it 😂 Forgot she left her husband for him too! Crazy

Thelnebriati · 24/09/2023 19:49

Its really sad that you still can't accept this person is not genuine. They have built a brand and they've done that by getting people like you to donate money in their name.
They aren't your friend.

CoughingMajoress · 24/09/2023 19:55

What does "influencer who's been getting some attention lately" even mean, though? I think people are latching onto OP's use of the word "famous-ish" but it's not like the OP is claiming that Brad Pitt has been messaging her. Influencer who's got a bit of attention could mean anything.

There have been a lot of cases of influencers and bloggers being revealed as scammers who used their social media profiles to convince people to donate money. I was just listening to the Scamanda podcast, she was a scammer but used her real name, her husband's real name, real photos, real details. A scammer but not a catfish.

There are loads of scam influencers who aren't catfishes, they use their real identities and real photos, but their entire influencer persona is created just to get people to give them money.

That's not the same as some bloke in Nigeria pretending to be Katy Perry.

Without knowing more it's impossible to say, but it's not impossible the OP was communicating with the real person, but they happen to be a scammer.

Rolypolyup · 24/09/2023 21:30

Is it Dr Alex?

Taylorscat · 24/09/2023 21:35

It’s either a scam or much more likely imo from what OP has said about it being the same account , it’s the guy being a bit of scam artist himself.

Either way, OP has said she won’t send money, and has been trying to work out what is going on. Love all these holier than tho patronising and downright nasty messages from you lot. So judgemental.

OP I think you’ve got the right idea about stepping away and I would just chalk this one up to experience.

SmileyClare · 24/09/2023 22:01

CoughingMajoress · 24/09/2023 19:55

What does "influencer who's been getting some attention lately" even mean, though? I think people are latching onto OP's use of the word "famous-ish" but it's not like the OP is claiming that Brad Pitt has been messaging her. Influencer who's got a bit of attention could mean anything.

There have been a lot of cases of influencers and bloggers being revealed as scammers who used their social media profiles to convince people to donate money. I was just listening to the Scamanda podcast, she was a scammer but used her real name, her husband's real name, real photos, real details. A scammer but not a catfish.

There are loads of scam influencers who aren't catfishes, they use their real identities and real photos, but their entire influencer persona is created just to get people to give them money.

That's not the same as some bloke in Nigeria pretending to be Katy Perry.

Without knowing more it's impossible to say, but it's not impossible the OP was communicating with the real person, but they happen to be a scammer.

I think for all intents and purposes this is a scam. How it is delivered is secondary to that.

As pointed out, scammers come in various guises. It doesn’t necessarily mean a psychopath has hacked in and is sitting at home in his sweaty underpants pretending to be Katie Perry or a slick organised crime ring is behind it.

This has all the hallmarks of a scam:

-Overly friendly frequent messages to quickly establish a close rapport and sense of security

-an unnatural amount of interest in your life; lots of questions about you. A Good Morning! How are you? every day.

-maintaining the “bond” by regular contact. For example if you went quiet or took time to respond you would receive an immediate nudge to resume chat

-pressure to send money very quickly after a bond is established

An influencer may have all followers siphoned to private chat to extract donations- overseen by staff or a bot with generic responses.

Once one donation is received, the person may be encouraged to set up a direct debit for example, or increase payments.

It’s also entirely possible to contact someone on social media posing as someone else. Even the URL can look correct.

Scamming is increasingly sophisticated and takes many forms.

All you can do is to remain guarded and look for the signs. They are always there.

That guarded approach applies to all social media- chat forums, dating sites, even notifications from official bodies.

CoughingMajoress · 24/09/2023 23:27

Yeah I totally agree that it's a scam!

I just think it's important to clarify that not all scams are catfishes.

Because the posters going "it's definitely not the influencer, it's someone pretended to be the influencer" when the OP presumably can see that the messages are coming from the influencer's account, that's not the best way to help the OP. Because it's just as like that it IS the influencer themselves sending the messages.

dawngreen · 25/09/2023 08:52

Why do you think the influencer is innocent, because you contacted them first? I think the influencer is either just buttering you up to make sure you donate regular. Maybe he needs a share of the money for his fees for doing what he do's. Why not ask why you need to go in a private chat?

Steev · 25/09/2023 12:53

Post some of the messages, black out the names if you like.

Feelingleftoutagain · 25/09/2023 13:03

Please becareful as there a lot of romance scams out there please read up on catfishing before you do anything else

LAB83 · 25/09/2023 13:07

If they are genuine then they will 100% understand why you are a bit cautious that it's actually them so a facetime shouldn't be an issue. If it's not them u can guarantee they will decline ur facetious suggestion.

Graciebobcat · 25/09/2023 13:16

I follow one famous actor on Insta and have recently had three follow requests from accounts using his image and a very similar username. I think it's just an attempt to gain access to personal information and wonder how many people just accept, delighted, without looking properly.

Onedayatattime · 25/09/2023 13:44

I think you need to either pluck up the courage to ask for a video call. Or just leave it. If you became close friends or more they would see you and I'm assuming the way you look or how you feel about it won't change. In fact wouldn't it get harder if you thought that they liked you but hadn't seen the real you?

Yes people can be scammed by video but it's much harder.

If they aren't interested in a video call you have an answer.

Charlize43 · 25/09/2023 13:49

Just send a message back saying that unless they are an Oscar winner then you are just not interested!

Check also that you haven't posted any pictures showing too much skin or body parts so as not to attract the likes of Armie Hammer.

'Social influencer' is that one of those trashy people that no one has ever heard of? In which case, send a message saying, 'Who?'

Pepfaz · 25/09/2023 13:55

Is the person Ed Sheeran? If so then I have had the same thing someone pretending to be them but because they was polite I just said I can't continue chat as I feel it is not the real person

Janieforever · 25/09/2023 14:43

Pepfaz · 25/09/2023 13:55

Is the person Ed Sheeran? If so then I have had the same thing someone pretending to be them but because they was polite I just said I can't continue chat as I feel it is not the real person

I’m not sure anyone would class ed Sheeran as a not very famous social influencer 😂

Mrsjayy · 25/09/2023 15:23

Graciebobcat · 25/09/2023 13:16

I follow one famous actor on Insta and have recently had three follow requests from accounts using his image and a very similar username. I think it's just an attempt to gain access to personal information and wonder how many people just accept, delighted, without looking properly.

I had "Tom Ellis" like one of my posts I'm sure Tom has better things to do that like my witterings !

Josell12345 · 25/09/2023 17:12

Youre not bullying. The person who said that is rude and foolish.

fiddlesticksandotherwords · 25/09/2023 17:24

I saw the beginning of your thread the other day @Cat2014 and I though't I'd come back to see whether the requests for money had started yet.

And hey presto. Colour me surprised.

I'm sorry you've been caught out like this, but at least no harm done.