If you’re a fan of the long-running Aussie soap Home & Away, you’re probably familiar with Nicholas Cartwright, who plays the popular character Senior Constable Cash Newman.
But while his on-screen persona is all about keeping Summer Bay safe, it turns out Nicholas is now trying to protect his fans in real life, too, from a bizarre and distressing new scam that’s targeting women across Australia and beyond.
Are you at risk of this new scam?
A heartfelt warning from Nicholas Cartwright
Taking to Instagram this week, Cartwright posted a rare and candid video message to his followers. His reason? To set the record straight and warn his fans—especially women—about scammers who are using his photos and identity to trick people online.
‘I don’t normally like to make these sort of announcement things,’ Nicholas began, ‘but a lot of women are getting catfished using my pictures on Facebook.’
He went on to explain that he’s been inundated with messages from people who believe they’ve been chatting with him online, only to discover they’ve been duped by imposters.
The scam, as Nicholas describes it, is both simple and sinister: fraudsters create fake social media profiles using his photos, then reach out to unsuspecting fans, often building up a fake relationship before eventually asking for money or personal information.
‘All sorts of bizarre stuff is going on,’ he said, clearly frustrated and concerned. ‘I’ve been getting messages about it and now I’ve got people contacting my family and my manager. This is my only social media. I hardly use social media.’
Catfishing: What is it, and why are celebrities targeted?
Catfishing—the act of creating a fake online identity to deceive others—is sadly nothing new. But with the rise of social media, it’s become easier than ever for scammers to impersonate celebrities and prey on their fans’ trust and admiration.
For many, the idea of a favourite TV star reaching out for a chat can be thrilling. Scammers exploit this excitement, often spinning elaborate stories and even promising romance or friendship. Once trust is established, the requests for money, gifts, or personal details begin.
Nicholas was quick to reassure his fans: ‘Long story short, I apologise to anyone getting scammed.
Not that it’s my fault. I hope that you’re OK. I’m not asking for money, or trying to get married to anyone in New Zealand!’
How to spot a celebrity scam online
Unfortunately, these scams are becoming more sophisticated, but there are still some tell-tale signs to watch out for:
Check the account: Is it verified? Most celebrities have a blue tick on Instagram or Facebook. Be wary of accounts with few followers or recent creation dates.
Too good to be true: If a celebrity suddenly wants to be your friend, start a relationship, or asks for money, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Unusual requests: No legitimate celebrity will ask you for money, gift cards, or personal information.
Communication style: Scammers often use awkward language, generic greetings, or avoid video calls.
Cross-check: If in doubt, check the celebrity’s official website or known social media for warnings or statements.
What to do if you think you’ve been targeted
If you suspect you’re being scammed, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:
- Stop all communication with the suspected scammer.
- Report the fake account to the social media platform.
- Never send money or personal information to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Reach out to friends or family for support and advice.
- Contact Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au) to report the incident and get further guidance.
Why are older Australians at risk?
Sadly, older Australians are often targeted by online scammers.
According to the ACCC, romance and celebrity impersonation scams cost Australians millions each year, with older adults more likely to lose larger sums.
The emotional toll can be just as devastating as the financial loss.
Scammers are skilled at manipulating emotions, and they often target people who may be feeling lonely or isolated. That’s why it’s so important to stay vigilant, talk openly about online safety, and look out for each other.
A reminder from Nicholas—and from us
Nicholas Cartwright’s message is clear: ‘This is my only social media. I hardly use social media.’ If you see his face pop up in your DMs, especially on Facebook or any platform other than his official Instagram, it’s almost certainly a scam.
And remember, you’re not alone. If you’ve been targeted, it’s nothing to be ashamed of—these scammers are professionals, and anyone can fall victim.
Have you or someone you know been contacted by a fake celebrity account? What steps did you take? Share your experiences in the comments below—your story could help protect others in our community.
Stay safe online, and remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Also read: Online scams are on the rise—here’s how Meta says you can protect yourself
I have a lot of men, supposedly in the US armed forces commenting on my posts with very flattering words, and asking if I could ‘friend’ them, as they can’t do it from their end. I reply with a very curt ‘thanks, but, no thanks’, and tell them they’ve been ‘blocked’.
My reasoning is that I have never been to the US, nor want to go there, and certainly not ‘friend’ a person just because they ask. I won’t ‘add’ to my friends unless I’ve known them for at least 12 months and we ‘friend’ each other when we’re together in the same room (family excepted, but I’m already friends with most of them).