If you think youre talking to an LGPA golfer online, no youre not

Published: Monday, August 18, 2025 at 9:07 pm

LPGA Golfers Targeted in Sophisticated Catfishing Scams

Professional female golfers are increasingly becoming victims of sophisticated catfishing scams, according to a recent investigation by The Athletic. The scams, which often target older men, involve impersonating LPGA athletes on social media platforms like Instagram and luring them into private messaging apps such as Telegram.

The scammers, posing as the golfers, then convince their victims to send money, typically in the form of cryptocurrency or gift cards. In exchange, the victims are promised VIP tournament access or even private dinners. The investigation reveals that these scams have become widespread within the LPGA community, with multiple golfers forced to issue public warnings about fake accounts.

The consequences of these scams extend beyond financial loss. Victims have shown up at tournaments expecting to meet the golfers, and in some cases, have even appeared at their homes. One man lost $70,000 to a scammer impersonating Rose Zhang, while another was in the process of selling his home.

What makes these scams particularly alarming is the use of deepfake AI technology. The Athletic's investigation found that scammers are using AI to create convincing videos of the golfers speaking directly to their victims. This technology allows scammers to generate images and videos that appear authentic, making it easier to deceive individuals.

Tracing these scams is difficult, as they often originate outside the United States, frequently in South Asia, and are linked to organized crime and human trafficking networks. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are often unable to intervene unless the fraud exceeds a certain financial threshold, leaving athletes and their fans to deal with the fallout.

BNN's Perspective: The rise of AI-powered scams targeting public figures is a concerning trend. While the LPGA is currently the focus, this issue could easily expand to other industries. Stronger regulations and increased awareness are needed to protect individuals from these increasingly sophisticated schemes.

Keywords: LPGA, golf, catfishing, scams, AI, deepfake, fraud, impersonation, social media, cryptocurrency, financial exploitation, organized crime.

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