A Troy man is sounding the alarm about a growing trend of celebrity impersonation scams that specifically target individuals with disabilities.Anthony Mcilvanie, who has an intellectual and developmental disability along with mild autism, has fallen victim to these scams, which have been prevalent since 2020.
Source:
kcentv.comMcilvanie was approached by scammers on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, who used images of well-known country music artists such as Cody Johnson and Chris Young to create fake profiles.These impersonators built trust over time, eventually asking for sensitive personal information and money.
Source:
kcentv.com"They would ask my age, they would ask me for my social security information, my disability," Mcilvanie explained."They would ask for bank information and they would also ask for Apple gift cards or Steam cards." Before his family became aware of the situation, Mcilvanie lost hundreds of dollars to these fraudulent schemes.
Source:
kcentv.comIn response to the increasing number of scams, Cody Johnson's official team has issued a warning to fans.They emphasize that the real Cody Johnson will never create new fan pages or private profiles to contact fans, nor will he ask for money or sensitive information through private messages.
Source:
kcentv.comMcilvanie is now advocating for legislative changes to enhance protections for adults with disabilities on social media.He is calling on Texas Governor Greg Abbott to pass laws that would require additional safeguards for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities over the age of 30."I want to ask Governor Abbott's help to pass a law for people with IDD and autism for adults over the age of 30 to have protection with Facebook and Instagram," he stated.
Source:
kcentv.comHis family has since taken steps to monitor his online interactions more closely, blocking suspicious accounts and helping him navigate social media safely."If something doesn't seem right, my mom just goes and blocks it," Mcilvanie said, highlighting the importance of family support in combating these scams.
Source:
kcentv.comMcilvanie also has advice for caregivers and others who work with individuals with disabilities.He urges them to be vigilant and proactive in monitoring their clients' online activities."I would ask them to be more careful to help their clients as needed," he said."Instantly do me a favor, block the information as possible." This advice is crucial as scammers often use emotional manipulation to exploit their victims, particularly those who may be more trusting or isolated.
Sources:
kcentv.comconsumer.ftc.govExperts suggest that there are several red flags to watch for when it comes to celebrity impersonation scams.These include requests for money, unusual communication methods, and the creation of new accounts that claim to be from well-known figures.
Sources:
kcentv.comconsumer.ftc.govAs Mcilvanie continues to advocate for better protections, he hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of these scams and the need for increased vigilance among social media users.The rise of such scams underscores the importance of verifying the identities of online contacts, especially when they claim to be celebrities.
Source:
kcentv.comIn conclusion, the story of Anthony Mcilvanie serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with social media and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.By sharing his experience, he aims to empower others to recognize and avoid similar scams, while also pushing for legislative changes that could provide greater protection for those at risk.
