French model and former Miss France runner-up Sophie Vouzelaud has fallen victim to a disturbing catfish scam, where fraudsters impersonated her online to deceive unsuspecting fans.
The 36-year-old, who gained fame after competing in Miss France 2007, discovered that scammers had created fake social media profiles using her name and photos to solicit money from followers.
How the Scam Unfolded
Vouzelaud first became aware of the situation when fans began contacting her about suspicious messages they'd received from accounts claiming to be hers. The imposters allegedly:
- Used stolen images of the model
- Created convincing fake profiles
- Engaged in romantic conversations with victims
- Eventually requested financial assistance
Model's Warning to Fans
The mother-of-two has since issued a public warning to her followers: "Never send money to someone you've only met online, even if they claim to be me." She emphasized that she would never ask fans for financial help through social media.
Vouzelaud has reported the fraudulent accounts to platform moderators, but the experience has left her shaken. "It's terrifying to think someone is using my image to exploit people," she told reporters.
The Growing Problem of Celebrity Catfishing
This incident highlights the increasing trend of scammers targeting public figures:
- Fraudsters create fake profiles of celebrities
- They build trust with victims over time
- Eventually fabricate emergencies to request money
Experts advise social media users to always verify accounts through official websites and never share personal or financial information with unverified contacts.
