Sunday, December 22, 2024

Urgent warning after Robert Irwin’s ‘arrest’ goes viral online

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Wildlife warrior Robert Irwin is the latest celebrity to fall victim to scammers distributing a fake image supposedly showing him being arrested by two heavily armed police officers.

People are being warned after the photo was circulated online — with fears Irwin’s devoted fan base could fall victim to the misinformation.

The image was also mocked up to appear as if it had been on the front pages of The Australian and News.com.au, however it is all fake.

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The image shows Irwin wearing a white T-shirt with a black graphic and loose-fitted jeans as he is led away in handcuffs by the two unidentified officers.

The fake image is also being used in hoax advertisements, including one designed to look like it is from newspaper, the Sydney Morning Herald.

Fans are being warned over viral fake photo showing Robert Irwin supposedly being arrested. Fans are being warned over viral fake photo showing Robert Irwin supposedly being arrested.
Fans are being warned over viral fake photo showing Robert Irwin supposedly being arrested. Credit: Seven

The fake article is headlined: “Is this the end of his career? Robert Irwin didn’t know the camera was still recording.”

The doctored image is linked to a fake news article which claims a bank has filed a lawsuit against Irwin over about comments he supposedly made during an episode of Channel 10 program, The Cheap Seats.

Irwin stars on Channel 10 hit, I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!

The fake story had Irwin endorsing a bogus trading platform, based on cryptocurrency, and asked readers to pay $375 to make money off the platform.

All of the claims are fake and organised by scammers trying to fleece money.

Irwin is not involved or affiliated with any of the products mentioned.

Irwin’s image has been used in a number of scams and fake photos. Irwin’s image has been used in a number of scams and fake photos.
Irwin’s image has been used in a number of scams and fake photos. Credit: Seven

Images such as those of Irwin prompted Australia’s National Anti-Scam Centre to warn that scams cost Australians $3.1 billion last year — an uptick of 80 per cent on the year prior.

The National Anti-Scam Centre said victims can lose their life-savings to scams, often with devastating impacts.

It also warned people should hang up on scammers who offer to fix problems with your computer or online financial accounts through remote access scams.

Seven’s Spotlight program recently did an investigation on online scams, lifting the lift on celebrity impersonation scams. Former Sunrise host David Koch spoke about the effect it had on him.

“It’s devastating because it’s my reputation on the line,” Koch said.

“And these scams are so good, they’re so believable that people who trust me look at me and say, ‘Wow, I’m getting some comfort out of what this bloke is saying,’ and then are ripped off by some scammer from overseas.”

Koch is desperately trying to stop this criminal act.

“I’ve reported it to the ACCC and ASIC. I’m part of an ACCC case against Meta at the moment surrounding these scam ads,” he said.

Watch 7NEWS Spotlight: Social Scammers

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

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