Catfishing has become very popular over the years. The art of “catfishing” is when someone poses as someone else for various reasons. It could be for love, deceit, sex, money and so much more. Regardless, the purpose of “catfishing” is to convince your love interest that you are not what you REALLY are. Us “regular” people are not the only ones who fall for this type of practice. Celebrities are just like us and have also fallen for it. Sometimes, celebrities are involved in catfishing scams and don’t even know it. The most recent story comes from an episode of Dr. Phil where a woman named Simone thinks she’s engaged to Omarion and has sent over over $4500 over the years. According to Simone’s friend Rachel: “He’s not Omarion. I know for a fact because there’s no celebrity that’s going to ask a civilian for money,” Rachel says, adding that Simone told her she has given this person $4,500. “If he’s a superstar, why would he need her money? Only a scammer would do that, not a celebrity.” Unfortunately for the woman, she wasn’t talking to Omarion and he actually appeared on the show himself to break the news to her.
This happens all too often. There have been dozens of celebrities who have either been victims of catfishing themselves OR their fans were catfished into thinking they were involved in some way with that celebrity. Before we run down some of the more popular stories, just remember. If you have never met the person, seen them on video or camera in some way shape or form, if they refuse to meet you in person AND here’s the big one, THEY ASK YOU FOR MONEY…chances are they are NOT who they are portraying themselves to be. So be careful who you’re talking to online.
