Starstruck and Scammed: Inside the Celebrity Romance Scam Playbook

It starts with a message from someone who looks just like your favorite actor. Maybe Brad Pitt, George Clooney or even Keanu Reeves. They say they’ve seen your Instagram profile, admire your smile, or appreciate your kindness. You’re flattered. And why shouldn’t you be? You're chatting with a Hollywood star—or so you think.

In reality, that message isn’t from a celebrity. It’s from a scammer, hiding behind stolen photos, fake profiles, and in some cases, AI-generated voices or deepfake videos. Over time, they build trust, create emotional intimacy, then strike—asking for money to help with a “personal emergency,” “legal trouble,” or “a ticket to come visit.” By the time the victim realizes the truth, the scammer has vanished, along with the victim’s savings and sense of reality.

This is the dangerous world of the celebrity romance scam, a cruel blend of catfishing, impersonation, and emotional fraud that’s devastating lives around the world.

Real People, Real Losses

Celebrity romance scams aren’t new. In fact, in 2023, BBC News reported on an a UK police alert about a growing number of victims who had been tricked into sending money to people claiming to be celebrities. These scams have become even more convincing since generative AI has given fraudsters even more powerful tools to exploit.

Now let’s take a look at some real-life examples of celebrity romance scams:

In Argentina, a woman lost $15,000 to someone posing as George Clooney. According to La República, the scammer used AI-generated messages and videos to impersonate the beloved actor. The woman believed she was in a secret online relationship and sent money to support him through supposed “legal challenges.” She didn’t realize it was a fraud until it was too late.

A French woman made headlines after falling for a fake Brad Pitt. The impersonator created an elaborate fantasy supported by fake press articles, edited photos, and what appeared to be authentic communications. The story shows just how believable these scams can be, especially when victims want to believe.

Then there’s the heartbreaking case of a woman in the US who sent over $375,000 to someone pretending to be actor Martin Henderson. The fraudster built an emotional bond over time and made financial requests that escalated gradually. The victim, isolated and emotionally vulnerable, believed she was helping someone she loved.

In another painful example, a Florida woman shared her story of being scammed by someone pretending to be Keanu Reeves. The scam began with a simple message in a mobile game. Eventually, the scammer convinced her he was Reeves via a video call—likely created using deepfake technology. Over 2.5 years, he cultivated her trust and began claiming that the actor’s assets were frozen by the FBI due to a lawsuit. The victim already reeling from personal losses, wanted to help. She sold her car, took out a home equity loan, and sent around $160,000. She later learned that not only was she a victim, but her bank account had been used to launder money from other victims.

How Celebrity Romance Scammers Get Away With It

Scammers employ a toolkit of deception to look convincing. They mirror the celebrity’s known behavior or speech style, referencing real career events or causes the star supports. They use generative AI to create video clips or voice memos that sound eerily realistic. Some operate fake charity initiatives or claim they need help accessing funds blocked by international banks.

A common tactic is to create a sense of urgency or secrecy. “I can’t go public with our relationship yet,” they might say. Or, “The media would twist this story, but I know you’re someone I can trust.” Once trust is built, the money requests begin—small at first, then larger, always framed as temporary or necessary to “finally be together.”

They might reach out privately on social media, commenting on a photo or reacting to a story. The account seems real. The messages feel personal. And eventually, the excuses begin: they’re under legal pressure, they’re in danger, they just need a little financial help, but they promise to pay it back once everything is resolved.

Paired with AI-generated video or voice messages and fake email chains from assistants or managers, the illusion can feel incredibly real, especially to someone who is lonely or grieving.

Red Flags of a Celebrity Romance Scam

If someone claiming to be a celebrity contacts you online, keep your guard up. Watch for these red flags:

• They reach out via private message and express romantic interest quickly.
• They avoid real-time video calls or only send scripted video clips.
• They ask you to keep the relationship secret.
• They say they’re dealing with lawsuits, frozen assets, or career problems.
• They request money through wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards.
• They pressure you to act urgently, either emotionally or financially.
• They use overly emotional language like “I trust you more than anyone.”

Trust your intuition. If something seems a bit off, don’t brush it aside. The chances are you’re being conned.  

When It’s Not a Celebrity—but Feels Like One

Not every romance scam involves a well-known name. Some scammers, like the infamous Tinder Swindler, pretend to be ultra-wealthy and well-connected to celebrities. In the case of Simon Leviev, he claimed to be the son of a billionaire diamond mogul. He dazzled women with private jets, luxury hotels, and stories of danger—all paid for by earlier victims.

One of his victims, Ayleen Charlotte, spoke to Bitdefender about the devastating emotional and financial toll it took on her.  Her story shows that you don’t have to be a celebrity to be impersonated or imitated, a scammer just needs a convincing act and a good backstory.

What the Tinder Swindler lacked in actual celebrity, he made up for with presentation. And for his victims, the experience was just as real and heartbreaking as being scammed by a fake Keanu Reeves.

You can read more about Ayleen’s story here.

Vulnerable Loved Ones May Be at Risk

Scammers often target individuals perceived as being emotionally or financially vulnerable. Older adults, widows or widowers, and those who live alone can be prime targets, especially if they have a nest egg (savings, pensions, or home equity).

If you have a parent, sibling, or grandparent who’s active online, keep an open line of communication. Approach the conversation with empathy and not judgment. Shame and embarrassment keep many victims from speaking up until it’s too late.

If you suspect a loved one is being groomed in a fake celebrity relationship:

• Ask gently if they’ve made any “new friends” online.
• Offer to help verify someone’s identity.
• Use tools like Bitdefender Scamio to analyze suspicious messages together – it’s absolutely free.
• Share stories to help them understand how convincing scammers can be.
• Help them report scams to law enforcement or their bank if money has already been sent.

Protecting Yourself from Celebrity Romance Scams

Real celebrities don’t message fans asking for money. They don’t need your help getting out of legal trouble, and they don’t engage in secret, long-distance online relationships with strangers.

If you receive a suspicious message from someone claiming to be a celebrity, stop and investigate. Don’t send money. Don’t share personal information. And never act out of guilt or emotional pressure.

To stay safe, try Bitdefender Scamio – a free AI chatbot that helps you detect scams.

The celebrity romance scam is more than a hoax—it’s an emotional and financial attack that preys on our deepest hopes for love, connection, and meaning. These scammers are calculating, tech-savvy, and relentless. They know how to imitate charm, mimic sincerity, and manipulate emotion.

If someone you know is at risk, talk to them with compassion. If you’re the target, don’t be ashamed: you're not alone. The best way to fight back is to stay informed, stay skeptical, and speak up.