Online scam: $900,000 lost to fake influencers

Web stars get rich without much consequence by promoting dangerous remedies, fraudulent contests, or questionable investments. Without limits, some influencers become fraudsters and others incur the wrath of tax authorities, this file explains. Newspaper.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center (CAFC) is warning the public against scammers who impersonated a number of influencers and stars online and stole nearly $900,000 from their fans' pockets.

“After searching our databases, the CAFC received 49 reports from 2020 through May 14, 2024,” said Jeff Horncastle, a spokesman for the Anti-Fraud Center.

During this period, CAFC said, complainants lost at least $888,884.47 to this type of scam on the web.

“Note that the reports received mention fraudsters acting as influencers. Unfortunately, we don't have reports targeting influencers,” explains Horncastle.

False statements

In recent months, several Quebec stars have had their identities stolen by scammers on the web. In many cases, their names and faces were used in fraudulent ads on Facebook or Instagram.

A popular host on behalf of many public representatives who were victims of this scam.

A fake ad on Facebook featuring Normand Brathwaite.

Facebook screenshot

“I never do it for me, it's also to give a voice to the victims,” ​​the host said in March.

Former mayor of Quebec, Regis Labeaume, host Normand Brathwaite and Maripier Morin are also victims of these online fraudsters.