Be safe: comedian warns about online scammers

Veteran comedian Billy Connolly has warned fans about scammers impersonating him online.

The Scottish actor and TV presenter, 82, said his wife Pamela Stephenson had also been impersonated, and reminded people that the sound of his voice can be recreated with artificial intelligence.

“Dear friends, I have learned that, unfortunately, online scam artists are targeting my fans and supporters,” the entertainer wrote in a message on his website.

“They are impersonating me, often reaching out to fans soliciting direct messaging.

“They create multiple deceptive social media and email accounts, and there could well be criminal intent.”

Connolly said his official Billy Connolly Facebook page was his only social media account, and he did not have accounts on Instagram, X, Snapchat, Telegram or any other platform.

“I NEVER interact directly with fans or supporters, and would never suggest they direct message me, meet me, send me money or purchase goods directly.

“I do not sell memberships, fan cards, meetings. I will never suggest meeting personally or ask for personal information.

“If you are asked for any of the above, it is a scam.

“My likeness and the sound of my voice can be created by AI … so beware!”

Connolly said his wife Pamela was also being impersonated and neither she nor any of his children had public social media accounts or pages.

“Please be safe everyone! Love and cuddles, Billy,” he signed off.

Criminals can use voice cloning technology to replicate a person’s voice from just a few seconds of audio, which can be easily captured from a video someone has uploaded online or to social media.

Deepfake images of celebrities and public figures are often used in scams and fake adverts.

Connolly, who was knighted in 2017 for services to entertainment and charity, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013 and retired from live stand-up performances five years later, but has continued to record programs and make TV appearances.

His most recent projects include TV shows such as 2018’s Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland, Billy Connolly’s Great American Trail in 2019 and Billy Connolly Does… which began airing in 2022.