Beware of Celebrity Impersonation Scams: Lee Byung-hun Issues Warning! |
Scam messages impersonating famous celebrities, including actor Lee Byung-hun, are surging across social media platforms. On October 29, actress Jang Ga-hyun revealed the direct message she received from a fake account claiming to be Lee Byung-hun, saying, “Hello! I’m Lee Byung-hun. Do you like my movies? I want to communicate with fans so I’m reaching out. I’ll wait for your reply.” However, the account was unofficial with a fake profile picture, designed to deceive fans.
Serious case of romance scam involving Lee Jung-jae impersonation
A similarly damaging scam involved actress Lee Jung-jae. A woman in her 50s from Miryang lost 500 million KRW (approx. INR 30 million) over six months after being deceived by a fake account on TikTok. The scammer sent AI-generated fake IDs and photos of Lee Jung-jae to gain trust, even promising a meeting in exchange for escalating money demands. This romance scam exploited emotional vulnerability, tricking the victim into believing a romantic relationship.
Growing threat and prevention tips
Experts warn such scams use celebrities’ popularity and trust to lure victims into dropping their guard. With increasingly sophisticated AI fake images and videos, fans should always verify if messages come from official accounts. Never respond to monetary requests or share personal information. These impersonation accounts exploit the heartfelt desire of fans to connect with idols, turning that wish into a dangerous trap.Consumers are urged to report suspicious accounts to social media platforms and law enforcement promptly to prevent further victimization. Remember, genuine celebrities do not ask for money or sensitive data directly online. Awareness and caution are key to staying safe in the age of digital celebrity fraud.
