In the age of instant messaging, celebrities have become prime targets for scammers who exploit their fame for quick gains. Popular actresses Aditi Rao Hydari and Shriya Saran have now publicly cautioned fans and professionals about a disturbing new wave of WhatsApp fraud where fraudsters pose as them to trick unsuspecting victims.

The Alarming Rise of Fake Celebrity Profiles

Both actresses recently took to social media to expose how scammers are creating fake WhatsApp accounts using their photos, names, and even verified-looking display pictures. These fraudsters are primarily targeting photographers, aspiring models, event organizers, and fans with promises of brand collaborations, film projects, or exclusive photoshoots.

The messages often start innocently — a “hi” from a familiar-looking profile, followed by requests for money, personal details, or advance payments for supposed “projects.” Once trust is gained, victims are asked to transfer funds through UPI or other payment apps, only to realize later that they’ve been duped.

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A post shared by Aditi Rao Hydari (@aditiraohydari)

What the Actresses Are Saying

Aditi Rao Hydari shared screenshots of fake conversations where scammers used her identity to contact photographers, demanding money for supposed brand endorsements. She wrote, “Please stay vigilant! These fraudsters are using my name and photos to scam people. I will NEVER ask for money or personal favors over WhatsApp. Report and block immediately.”

Shriya Saran echoed the same concern, revealing that multiple fake accounts pretending to be her have been messaging people in the industry. “It’s heartbreaking to see innocent people being cheated in my name,” she posted. “Always double-check before trusting any message that seems suspicious.”

How These Scams Are Evolving

What makes these frauds particularly dangerous is their sophistication. Scammers now use high-quality images lifted from Instagram, mimic the celebrity’s tone of communication, and even create backup stories to gain credibility. Some victims have lost thousands of rupees after being convinced they were securing a dream opportunity with a top actress.

Photographers, in particular, are being targeted with offers of “exclusive portfolio shoots” or “movie look tests” that require immediate “registration fees” or “advance payments.” By the time the fraud is discovered, the scammers have vanished, often deleting the fake account.

How to Protect Yourself from Impersonation Scams

• Never transfer money to anyone claiming to be a celebrity, no matter how convincing the conversation seems.
• Official communication from celebrities or their teams almost never happens via personal WhatsApp — it’s usually through verified managers or public emails.
• Check for verification: Real celebrity accounts on Instagram are verified. Cross-check any WhatsApp contact against their official social media.
• Report suspicious accounts immediately on WhatsApp and inform the celebrity through their name is being misused.
• Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp and avoid clicking on unknown links.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Aditi Rao Hydari and Shriya Saran’s timely warnings serve as a wake-up call for all social media users. As our favorite stars become more accessible online, so do the risks posed by those who exploit their popularity. The best defense is awareness — if something feels off, it probably is.

Stay cautious, verify before trusting, and help stop these scammers by reporting every fake profile you encounter. Your vigilance can protect not just yourself, but others in the community too.

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