Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Sydney Sweeney among ‘favorites’ of internet scammers

Internet scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and realistic, making it easier for potential victims to fall for them.

To add credibility to these scams, fraudsters often use recognizable images or names. Many celebrities have seen their likenesses associated with various scams, but a select few make it into the top 10 due to their ‘effectiveness.’

The list was published by McAfee, a global cybersecurity company offering products and services designed to protect users and businesses from digital threats.

“As cybercriminals use advanced AI tools to create more convincing scams, the risks are increasing, and celebrity names are the perfect bait for curious consumers,” said Abhishek Karnik, head of threats at the company.

Karnik also shared advice on how people can avoid falling victim to these types of scams. “This is why people must remain vigilant and think twice before clicking.

While AI-generated content isn’t always harmful, it’s becoming harder to distinguish what is real from what is fake,” he emphasized.

As these celebrities’ names continue to be exploited, McAfee urges everyone to stay cautious, as scammers are finding more ways to trick people online.

The List of Celebrities Most Used in Online Scams

The top 10 includes five actresses, two actors, two singers, and one model, all of whom are American:

1. Scarlett Johansson: Frequently used in fake online ads.
2. Kylie Jenner: Involved in fake giveaways and fraudulent websites.
3. Taylor Swift: Targeted by fake sweepstakes and false news.
4. Anya Taylor-Joy: Her account was hacked and used to spread false news.
5. Tom Hanks: Linked to ‘miracle cures.’
6. Sabrina Carpenter: Used to sell fake tickets.
7. Sydney Sweeney: Associated with cryptocurrency scams.
8. Blake Lively: Linked to weight loss product scams.
9. Johnny Depp: Used in various fraudulent schemes.
10. Addison Rae: Also involved in fraudulent schemes.