It started with friendly messages online. Before long, gift cards were being sent — and personal information had already changed hands.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a home on County Road 64 for a fraud complaint involving an online relationship.
A caregiver told deputies that a resident had been communicating with someone using the name Cole Swindell — the same name as the well-known country singer. The contact was made through text messages, and the two had never met or spoken directly.
The resident admitted to sending multiple $25 Apple gift cards over time. More concerning, she also sent copies of her driver’s license and Social Security card before realizing something wasn’t right.
The money has since stopped, and steps have been taken to contact Social Security and report the situation.
The case highlights a growing trend deputies are seeing more and more: scammers pretending to be celebrities to build trust — and then asking for money.
These scams are slick — and they move fast.
Scammers will:
- Create fake profiles using real celebrity names and photos
- Message fans directly or reply to comments
- Build a quick connection, often flattering or personal
- Then introduce a “problem” that requires money
And yes — it happens fast.
Last week after, I posted a video of Jelly Roll, Brandon Lake, and Jon Batiste singing “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on Facebook, messages rolled in within two hours from accounts claiming to be all three artists.
They weren’t. That’s how aggressive these scammers have become.
📱 The “Found Person” Comment Trap
There’s another version showing up locally that’s catching people off guard.
Someone comments on a post about:
- A missing person
- A found pet
- A community alert
Within minutes, they get a reply or message like:
- “I have information, message me”
- “Contact this person, they helped me before”
Those accounts are often fake too.
They’re using emotional situations to:
- Get your attention
- Start a conversation
- Move you into private messages
From there, it can turn into requests for money, personal info, or links to click.
🚨 Red Flags to Watch For
- A “celebrity” messaging you directly
- Requests for gift cards (especially Apple cards)
- Conversations that stay text-only
- Being asked for ID or Social Security information
- Messages that feel personal but move way too fast