Sandra Bullock issues warning on social media scams
Oscar-winning actor Sandra Bullock has taken the unusual step of speaking out about social media impersonation and fraud. In a recent statement, she warned fans that she does not use any social media platforms and emphasised that anyone claiming otherwise is an impersonator. Her alert follows reports from her sister, Gesine Bullock-Prado, who discovered a growing number of fake profiles pretending to be her. One particularly unsettling case involved a French woman losing nearly £650,000 to a scammer posing as Brad Pitt, illustrating how easily criminals can earn a victim’s trust when they appear to be a celebrity.
These scams often rely on emotional storytelling. Criminals set up accounts using genuine photos and personal details, then craft narratives that encourage people to sympathise or feel a personal connection. Over time, conversations turn into requests for money, sometimes framed as charitable causes or urgent medical needs. Once victims realise they have been deceived, they can be left shocked, out of pocket, and embarrassed.
A Growing Global Concern
Unfortunately, the trend Bullock highlighted is becoming more common. According to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, over 20,000 people reported social media or email impersonation scams last year, with total losses in the tens of millions of pounds. Romance scams, which involve criminals posing as potential partners using celebrity or other attractive profiles, have jumped by more than 50% in the last five years. This rise has prompted law enforcement and consumer protection organisations to issue repeated warnings.
Other well-known figures have spoken up about similar problems. Public statements from actors like Tom Hanks, Keanu Reeves, and Dolly Parton have stressed that they never directly message fans asking for money or personal information. Nonetheless, a steady number of people continue to fall victim, particularly as social media continues to expand and offer scammers a larger pool of potential targets.
No One Is Immune
Bullock’s comments show that even famous personalities can be targeted by criminals who see an easy way to profit from a celebrity’s name. Although social media platforms work to remove these accounts, new ones often appear as quickly as old ones are taken down. Scammers operate in teams, using multiple identities to avoid detection. Experts recommend pausing and verifying if a “celebrity” suddenly contacts you to request money. Double-check official websites, look for verified accounts, and keep an eye out for small inconsistencies in their messages.
In the United Kingdom, victims are urged to report scams to Action Fraud and to contact Citizens Advice for further support. Although there can be embarrassment in admitting you have been scammed, reporting it could help prevent others from going through the same ordeal. High-profile warnings from individuals like Sandra Bullock also serve as a helpful reminder to remain vigilant, especially when a request seems urgent or personal.
If You Have Been Targeted or Need Help
If you have fallen victim to a scam or suspect that you may be at risk, Conflict International can provide assistance. Our team of experienced investigators specialises in gathering evidence and tracing digital footprints to identify those responsible for online hoaxes. We also offer guidance on enhancing the security of personal and business social media accounts, and we collaborate with law enforcement and financial institutions to pursue the recovery of lost funds. It is important to act quickly because fraudsters often move money across borders to avoid detection.
For confidential advice or to learn more about our services, please get in touch with our team. We aim to support you through each stage of the process, helping you stay safe online and giving you a better chance of holding scammers to account.