Blog By Akancha Srivastava

What if I told you that the photo of your favorite celebrity—Shreya Ghoshal, Shah Rukh Khan, Virat Kohli—is being used to trap you into a scam?

That’s exactly what’s happening.

Recently, singer Shreya Ghoshal publicly released a video warning people that her images were being used without her consent in fake advertisements on social media. These ads were styled like legitimate news headlines and circulated through sponsored posts, trying to bait users into clicking suspicious links. Shreya was clear—she has not endorsed any such content, and her name is being misused.

She’s not the only one. Multiple celebrity photos are being used the same way—without permission—to gain false trust and trick users. Some of these scam posts are even promoted through verified accounts.

Let’s be clear—these are not safe links.

They are malicious phishing links designed to:

• Install malware on your phone or laptop

• Steal your personal data—contacts, messages, photos

• Gain access to your camera, microphone, and location

• Lead to financial fraud, identity theft, or blackmail

• Compromise your privacy and safety

This is not a hypothetical risk. These attacks are real, sophisticated, and evolving rapidly.

Many people fall for these scams because the ads look polished. But if you pause and observe, the language, urgency, and dramatic tone are telltale signs. Always remember—if it sounds too unbelievable to be true, it probably is.

And let’s also be mindful—genders can be flipped in these scams. The target or the bait could be a man, woman, or child depending on who the fraudster is trying to trap. This isn’t about one demographic—it’s about all of us being at risk in the digital space.

What should you do?

• Never click on random links, no matter how familiar or exciting they look

• Verify the source before engaging with any content

• Check official accounts or websites if you see a celebrity endorsement

• Report suspicious ads and profiles to the platform immediately

• Use reliable antivirus and anti-malware protection on all your devices

• Talk about this with your family—educate those who may be more vulnerable

If you’ve already clicked something shady and your device starts acting up—take it to a professional. Get it cleaned up before damage spreads.

Bottom line:
If celebrities with massive teams, brand protection agencies, and media access aren’t safe, imagine how exposed the average user is. We cannot afford to drop our guard. Stay aware. Stay alert.

If you need support or want to report a cyber safety concern:
📧 TeamAkancha@gmail.com
🌐 www.AkanchaSrivastava.org

Stay Aware, Stay Safe

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat

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The post When Even Celebrities Aren’t Safe—You Need to Pay Attention appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.