Johnny Depp issues warning to fans after scammers are impersonating him

Johnny Depp has warned fans that ‘quite convincing’ scammers are still using fake social media accounts pretending to be him and offering to meet or speak to them for money. 

In a statement on his Instagram story,  the American actor’s team wrote: ‘We have been made aware that there continues to be fraudulent imposters pretending to be Johnny or those on his team, offering meetings or promising time with him, often for payment.

‘Some of these attempts appear to be quite convincing, for example by digitally mimicking his voice and using other forms of communication that appear to be authentic.

‘Please be aware that these are scams. It is not Johnny or anyone from his team. These people are criminals trying to make money off of vulnerable, kind people.

‘If you are aware of this happening, or have been targeted yourself, please report it to the online fraud teams at your local police forces.’

The statement went on to explain that Johnny does not communicate with fans by email, Whatsapp, Telegram, Signal, text, fan sites or phone calls.

The statement, pictured, went on to explain that Johnny does not communicate with fans by email, Whatsapp, Telegram, Signal, text, fan sites or phone calls

It came after he previously warned fans to be wary of ‘fake accounts’ impersonating him on social media. 

In an Instagram story post in June, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor wrote: ‘I’ve been made aware that there are fake accounts pretending to be me or people working with me.

‘I do not have any private or side accounts on any platforms. These are the only pages run by me and my team where we share updates and communicate,’ he added, listing his accounts on several social media platforms.

‘I ask that you remain cautious as it seems these fake accounts can be relentless. My team is working to combat the problem. Thank you for your continued support and for making me aware of this issue! Love & respect, JD X.’

Depp took to social media to warn fans of fake accounts on various platforms pretending to be him

Depp, who won his defamation case against Amber Heard on June 2, did not offer further explanation. 

He was awarded damages of $8.35 million (£6.8m) and joined TikTok after his victory, where he gained 2.5 million followers without sharing a single post.

In a video shared to the app, which had a hashtag showcasing a huge number of videos in support of him during his trial, he wrote:  ‘We did the right thing together, all because you cared. And now, we will all move forward together. 

‘You are, as always, my employers and once again I am whittled down to no way to say thank you, other than just by saying thank you.’

After his victory, he was on the road performing with legendary musician Jeff Beck and celebrating the result of his defamation trial against his ex-wife.

The two performed at the Helsinki Blues Festival in Finland, where Depp surprised fans with a clean-shaven appearance.

Heard also doubled down on her abuse allegation in an explosive interview — the same claims that left her owing Depp more than $8 million in damages, which she says she is unable to pay. 

Heard, 36, spoke to NBC’s Dateline and told Savannah Guthrie that she was ‘terrified’ of telling her side of the story.

In the interview, Guthrie pointed out that Heard is the only woman to have come forward with allegations of abuse against Depp.

Amber Heard, 36, spoke to NBC’s Dateline and told Savannah Guthrie that she was ‘terrified’ of telling her side of the story 

In the interview, Guthrie pointed out that Heard is the only woman to have come forward with allegations of abuse against Johnny Depp (pictured in court)

She questioned why nobody else would have spoken out if they had endured the same violent treatment that she claims to have. 

Heard responded: ‘Look what happened to me when I came forward. Would you?’

During the defamation trial, Kate Moss took to the stand to defend her ex-boyfriend, who she dated from 1994 to 1998.

She delivered a sensational blow to his ex-wife Heard by squashing the actress’s claim that Depp once pushed his supermodel ex down a flight of stairs. 

During Heard’s testimony, the actress referred to having heard allegations that Depp had once shoved Moss down a flight of stairs – however, according to testimony Moss gave in support of Depp, the actor actually helped her after she accidentally slipped.

Heard made the claim while discussing an argument that she allegedly had with Depp at the top of a staircase, when she said her sister, Whitney Heard, stepped in between them.

During the defamation trial, Kate Moss (pictured) took to the stand to defend her ex-boyfriend, who she dated from 1994 to 1998

Heard told the court: ‘She threw herself in the line of fire. She was trying to get Johnny to stop. Her back was to the staircase, and Johnny swings at her. I don’t hesitate and wait – I instantly think of Kate Moss and stairs. And I swung at him.’

Moss said during her testimony that Depp never ‘pushed her or threw her down any stairs,’ in fact, she said that he tended to her after she tripped during a trip they took to Jamaica together.

Heard also said that she had been wounded by the ‘hate and vitriol’ directed at her, but did not regret bringing the case.

‘I know the scariest, most intimidating thing for anybody talking about sexual violence is not being believed, being called a liar, or being humiliated,’ she said.

Heard said she was not speaking out because she was ‘vindictive’.

‘This would be a really lousy way of getting vengeance,’ she said.

‘As silly as it is to say this out loud, my goal is – I just want people to see me as a human being.’