,Orlando, August 24, 2025
News Summary
A new wave of high-tech catfishing scams is targeting LPGA stars, using deepfake videos and impersonation to deceive fans out of money and personal information. Scammers are creating fake accounts that lure victims into private chats, where they pressure them for cryptocurrency payments and gift cards. The issue has escalated as the popularity of the tour grows, leading to serious consequences for both fans and players. Law enforcement struggles to keep up as these scams become increasingly sophisticated, raising concerns for athlete safety and fan engagement.
Orlando — LPGA Stars Targeted by a New Wave of High-Tech Catfishing
Something ugly is stalking the fairways: catfishing scams that impersonate female professional golfers and use modern tools to trick older fans out of money and privacy. The attacks have moved beyond goofy fake profiles — scammers are layering in deepfake video, private chat apps, and rapid account churn to make the whole thing look frighteningly real.
The quick read — what’s going on
Impostor accounts, mostly on visual platforms like Instagram, are luring older men into private chats on apps such as Telegram. Conversations shift fast from friendly small talk to requests for payments in cryptocurrency or gift cards, with promises of VIP tournament access or private dinners. Players have been flagging fake accounts since 2022. The problem has escalated alongside the growing popularity of the tour.
How the scams work — the mechanics
Scammers create profiles that look authentic, then push victims to a private messaging app where platforms have fewer safety checks. They use tactics that include:
- Stolen photos and profiles reconstructed to appear current and trusted.
- Altered videos using AI techniques to make a player seem to say or do things they did not.
- Fast-moving pressure — move off public pages to private chats, ask for money, then vanish.
- Promises of exclusive experiences in exchange for payment — often in forms that are hard to trace or recover.
Real-life fallout — not just embarrassing
The consequences are serious. Beyond the financial hits, athletes report harassment at tournaments and threats to their homes. In one case, a man in his 70s was led to transfer a large sum of money — tens of thousands of dollars — and then showed up expecting special treatment at an event. In another, a victim was ready to sell his house after interacting with a fake influencer account. These incidents illustrate how online deception can spill into real-world danger and stress for players.
Deepfakes make it worse
What used to be crude catfishing can now be enhanced with deepfake tools that alter video and audio. That added realism makes it harder for victims to tell a fake from the real person and harder for platforms and law enforcement to track down the offenders — many of whom operate from overseas and delete fake profiles quickly when exposed.
Players pushed into damage control
Top players have publicly warned fans about impostor accounts and shared frustration that the scams interfere with normal fan engagement. They face the double burden of protecting their own safety while trying not to push genuine supporters away. Because scammers can spin up multiple fake accounts quickly, platform reporting doesn’t always keep pace.
Why law enforcement struggles
Identity theft and online fraud cases are surging, leaving many public agencies stretched thin. Investigations are complicated when bad actors are overseas, accounts are deleted fast, and payments are made in hard-to-trace forms like cryptocurrency or gift cards. This combination leaves many victims and athletes handling the fallout themselves.
How fans and players can protect themselves
- Assume new direct messages from celebrities are fake until proven otherwise. Check for verification badges and cross-reference official channels.
- Refuse requests to move chats to private apps you don’t usually use for fan contact. That’s a major red flag.
- Never send money, crypto, or gift cards to someone you haven’t verified through an official account.
- Report suspicious accounts quickly to the social platform and save screenshots. If you lose money, report to local law enforcement immediately.
- Players should work with their teams and event security to flag threats and get ahead of harassment at tournaments.
Bottom line for golf fans
Enjoy the sport and support the players, but keep your guard up online. The same charm that draws fans close also makes athletes targets. Scammers are getting smarter and faster; staying skeptical is the best defense.
FAQ — Quick answers for worried fans
How can I tell if an account claiming to be a player is fake?
Look for blue verification badges, check the account’s post history, and cross-check links from the player’s known official profiles. Fresh accounts with few posts and private DMs are more likely to be fake.
What should I do if someone asks me for money or gift cards claiming to be a player?
Stop contact immediately. Do not send money. Screenshot the messages, report the account to the platform, and contact your local police if you’ve already sent funds.
Are deepfakes easy to spot?
Not always. Small visual glitches, odd eye movements, or unnatural audio can be signs. When in doubt, verify through official channels rather than trusting a direct message.
Who should players notify about threats or harassment?
Notify event security, the player’s management team, and local law enforcement. Keep records of messages and any incidents at events.
Can these scams be prosecuted?
Prosecution is possible but complicated, especially when offenders operate overseas and use fast-deleting accounts or anonymous payment methods. Reporting helps create a record that can support future action.
Quick reference table — Spot a scam and act
| Issue | Common red flags | Immediate action |
|---|---|---|
| Fake player profile | New account, few posts, private DMs | Check official channels, screenshot, report to platform |
| Request for money or gift cards | Pressure to pay, asks to move to another app | Refuse payment, stop contact, report, contact police if paid |
| Deepfake video or voice | Odd lighting, unnatural speech or movements | Verify with official sources, do not share or pay |
| Harassment or threats at events | Unwanted contact, showing up at venues | Alert event security and law enforcement immediately |
Stay sharp and enjoy the game. The players want fans in the stands, not scammers in the inbox. If you suspect fraud, act fast — your quick response can protect others as well as yourself.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The New York Times: LPGA Stars Targeted by Catfishing
- Newsweek: Nelly Korda Sounds Alarm on Catfishing
- Mashable: LPGA Catfishing Problem
- MSN: If You Think You’re Talking to an LPGA Golfer Online, You’re Not
- The New York Times: Athlete Stalking in Sports Investigation
- Wikipedia: Catfishing
- Google Search: Catfishing Scams
- Google Scholar: Catfishing and Deepfake Technology
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Catfishing
- Google News: LPGA Catfishing
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