Johnny Depp Impersonators Are Scamming Elderly People

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As a movie enthusiast who has grown up watching Johnny Depp grace our screens with his captivating performances in iconic films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Edward Scissorhands, I find it absolutely heartbreaking to learn about these scams targeting elderly individuals pretending to be him.

2024 saw its fair share of peculiar and tragic incidents, one being the spate of online impostors posing as the renowned actor Johnny Depp. Similar to numerous other scams, it appears that the victims were primarily elderly individuals who received messages from someone purportedly John Depp or his fictitious representative. This individual would then persuade them to transfer substantial sums, ranging from tens of thousands to even hundreds of thousands of dollars in some instances, to this supposed “actor.” It’s a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of verifying the authenticity of online communications before parting with one’s hard-earned money.

Based on Gizmodo’s report, the Federal Trade Commission received about 197 reports last year about frauds involving fake John Depp accounts. In most instances, these scams initiated on social media platforms like Facebook, then continued on messaging apps such as Telegram, WhatsApp, or Zangi. The methods for transferring money included services like Coinbase, Bitcoin ATMs, Zelle, PayPal, and gift cards, among others.

The method being referred to here is often called “pig-butchering,” where con artists win over their victims through flattery and emotional bonding to extract as much money as possible. Not all pig-butchering scams involve fake celebrity interactions, but it’s a popular strategy used by these fraudsters. In some instances, they may offer returns on investments that never come to fruition, while in others, the victims believe they are assisting a friend in need.

Could it be that Johnny Depp’s high profile in these scams is due to the fact that he’s an icon from the past for many of the victims? Given that Depp is currently 61 years old, it seems likely that most of the victims were fans during his successful period in the 90s.

The Scammers Use a Variety of Tactics to Swindle Their Victims

Gizmodo published 25 out of 197 complaints that were released through a Freedom of Information Act request. All personal details of the victims and their families were removed from these documents. Upon reading, certain recurring themes became apparent. Apart from manipulating people for financial gain, the scammers also exploited their victims’ kindness. For instance, one impersonator claimed to be Johnny Depp, asking for help with IRS payments. In other instances, the fraudsters pretended they had been in an accident or severely injured, requesting financial aid.

On various occasions, Apple gift cards valued between $25 and $500 were apparently sent to a false representation of Johnny Depp or his representatives. Some individuals also bought plane tickets and ‘celebrity VIP passes’ to meet the actor in Los Angeles and other locations. In certain scenarios, this connection is romantic, with the fraudster promising to win over the individuals romantically.

It can be hard to believe that someone would fall for these scams, but consider that the victims are seniors, many of whom suffer from some sort of mental decline. This, combined with the loneliness some victims experience and the convincing nature of the scam, makes for a perfect storm. After all, these scams are considered predatory for a reason: they know exactly how to manipulate these individuals into giving them exactly what they want.

When dealing with celebrities online, keep in mind the golden guideline: If an offer appears excessively attractive, chances are, it’s likely a falsehood.

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2024-12-05 02:07