Is it Really Them? No. Nashville Address’ the Growing Impostor Problem on Social Media

Ah, social media, the pubic sphere where we can connect with friends and family, make new acquaintances, and learn about world-events at up-to-the-second speed. It’s also a fantastic medium to make new friends through hobbies, mutual friends, and common interests, like music. Creating an online identify is as easy as creating a new email address, allowing the user to be whomever they wish to be, including some pretty familiar faces.

Unfortunately in this case, imitation is not the best form of flattery. Celebrities, country music artists included, have become prey to these impostors who create false profiles on the various social media platforms, especially Facebook, and take it to a criminal level as they friend request fans and, in some cases, ask for money or declare undying love, in return asking for salacious photos and information.

Chris Young has been dealing with this issue for some time, having reaffirmed to fans his only social media accounts back in 2013.

Chris Stapleton asked his followers to inform his team of any accounts not verified:

While beloved Grand Ole Opry legend Bill Anderson was apologetic to his fans for encountering the “evil and greedy and stupid” individuals.

Frankie Ballard actually LEFT Facebook in December 2015 because of the growing problem, informing fans that his team would utilize the page just for announcements and updates.

And then in March (three months later!), the onslaught of impostors was still continuing.

But Jake Owen takes the cake in his retaliation – he actually left a very aggressive voicemail to one impersonator after receiving his number from fans whom fell victim.

So from one fan to another, please remember that artists will never ask you for money or for personal information. They are not asking you for a date (but God we wish they were), and be sure to ALWAYS check for a blue verification mark next to their name. In the event you encounter an impostor, flag the page and report it to either a page admin, fan club president, or someone in authority with the artist’s team.