This is one of those instances in which AI is detrimental. Johnny Depp has warned fans about a new wave of AI scammers impersonating him online. Depp assures fans that he never asks for money or personal information. Last year, nearly as many complaints about imposters were filed with the Federal Trade Commission.
Depp’s Public Warning
Johnny Depp has taken action to warn his fans about the growing number of scams involving AI. The actor used his social media platform to make a public service announcement warning against fraudulent activity. The actor used his social media platform to make a public service announcement warning against fraudulent activity. The actor used his social media platform to make a public service announcement warning against fraudulent activity.
Depp made it clear that neither he nor his representatives will contact fans with requests for money or personal information. He emphasized the importance of verifying communications and warned fans not to engage with any suspicious requests. In a message to his nearly 29 million Instagram followers, Depp assured them that his verified accounts are the only genuine means of communication.
Johnny Depp warned fans about scammers impersonating him online, using AI to mimic his face and voice. He said, “Neither I nor my team will ask for money or personal info.” https://t.co/fSBzIa2JBt pic.twitter.com/FRuQccM6S2
— Yahoo Entertainment (@YahooEnt) January 6, 2025
Tactics and Targets of Scammers
Scammers have primarily targeted elderly fans via platforms like Facebook. They used advanced AI to convincingly mimic Depp’s persona, allowing them to exploit fans. Victims are frequently duped into transferring funds through Bitcoin, ATMs, PayPal, and even gift cards. Depp stated that online claims of meetings, phone calls, or memberships for a fee are false.
“I do not offer paid meetings, phone calls, club memberships, or fan cards … I do not interact directly with fans on any social media platforms…” – Johnny Depp
This widespread issue resulted in nearly 200 FTC complaints in 2024 alone. Other celebrities, such as Scarlett Johansson, are also at the top of scammer lists, so Depp is not alone. McAfee, for example, ranks Depp ninth among celebrities involved in these scams. Meta and other technology companies are looking into ways to combat these scams using facial recognition.
Johnny Depp Speaks Out About Online Scammers Pretending to Be Him After Fan Reportedly Lost $350K in Schemes https://t.co/nn2vODLs0t
— People (@people) January 6, 2025
Fighting Back Against Scams
Depp and his team are actively working to combat these scams, advising fans to only trust his official social media channels verified with ‘@johnnydepp’. He rejects any association with platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Snapchat. Recognizing the psychological and financial harm caused, the Federal Trade Commission warns the public not to send money to unverified sources, even if they appear legitimate.
“Today, AI can create the illusion of my face and voice. Scammers may look and sound just like the real me. But neither I, nor my team, will ask you for money or your personal information.” – Johnny Depp
Depp’s efforts to combat these scams have not stopped. He recently directed a film and continues to create art while protecting his fans from digital fraud. Despite the media upheavals, he remains unaffected and committed to transparency with his supporters.
Sources:
- Johnny Depp issues warning to fans, as online scammers impersonate him
- Johnny Depp Is Working To Combat ‘Illicit Schemes’ Amid Online Scams And AI ‘Illusions’
