The BBC in the UK has recently highlighted a problem affecting fans of some high-profile YouTubers. It seems they are being targeted by a YouTube scam which looks like messages from the creators themselves.
Fake Messages
YouTube personalities such as Philip DeFranco have tried to address this issue in videos to their fans. In one video posted on his channel on Wednesday, he stated that some have been getting messages thanking them for being fans. The message also says they are selected for a gift.
DeFranco said that some people had recognized these as a YouTube scam and that the messages had not come from him.
Others YouTubers Affected
Along with his own message, DeFranco also added other messages. These appeared on other YouTubers lists such as James Charles, Lewis Hilsenteger, and Bhad Bhabie.
Each of these messages contained a link for the subscriber to click on.
YouTube Response
Following the warning video uploaded by DeFranco, YouTube took to Twitter to thank him. In the Tweet, YouTube stated: “We’re in the process of implementing additional measures to prevent impersonation like this.”
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They went on to say: “In the meantime, your subs can protect themselves by blocking any account that is spamming them.”
Other Celebrity Scams
YouTubers are not the first celebrities to be the victims of scammers. Last week, Facebook had a lawsuit against them for financial scam ads depicting the face of Martin Lewis. The UK financial celeb later dropped the lawsuit, though Facebook did donate £3 million to a consumer advocate group.
In 2017, there were many scams relating to skincare. Former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton, NCIS star Pauly Perrette and Princess Kate Middleton were all used in scams to push skincare products.
What Should You Do if You See on of These Messages?
Anyone seeing these messages from well-known YouTubers is advised not to click on them. Anyone whom has is advised not to give any personal details and certainly no credit card details.