Sir Tom Jones has issued a stark warning to his global fanbase regarding a rise in "sad and disheartening" online scams. According to a report by the BBC, the 85-year-old Welsh legend took to social media to alert followers about sophisticated fraudsters using fake profiles to impersonate him and his management team.
The legendary singer, born in Pontypridd, used his official Instagram account to urge the public to remain vigilant. Posting a high-contrast message—a black screen with red text—Sir Tom clarified that he does not personally or directly communicate with individuals through private messaging on any social platform.
"It is sad and disheartening to hear of these scammers attempting to trap and abuse vulnerable people," the singer stated. He further emphasized that any account attempting to initiate a private chat is a fake and should be reported and blocked immediately, noting that such accounts are designed to "trap and abuse" unsuspecting fans.
This is not the first time the "It's Not Unusual" performer has had to defend his digital likeness. Similar warnings were issued by his team in late 2024 following reports of fans being swindled out of thousands of pounds. The BBC notes that the National Fraud Helpline frequently sees criminals leverage celebrity status or fake endorsements to bypass the natural defenses of the public.
By impersonating a figure as beloved as Sir Tom, scammers exploit a sense of personal connection to gain financial information or personal data. The singer’s message was clear: "This will not be Sir Tom Jones or his team. Please be careful and stay safe online."
Authorities continue to advise social media users to look for official verification badges (the "blue tick") and to never share financial details with anyone claiming to be a celebrity online.
