Jeremy Clarkson and James May have released statements after their faces were used to promote cryptocurrency. The pair, who denied having any involvement in the “ghastly” scam, are the latest celebrities to be targeted.
Cryptocurrency is a digital medium of exchange which is created using encryption algorithms. These digital tokens can be paid directly to others through an online system, and popular forms include Bitcoin, the Elon Musk-supported Dogecoin and Ethereum.
Over the weekend, 61-year-old James was forced to acknowledge that his face had been used to promote a form of cryptocurrency. According to the former Top Gear star, his name was also used to encourage sign-ups for a retirement plan.
On Saturday (March 23), he took to social media and addressed his reluctant affiliation with the scam. He wrote to his 3.2 million X followers: “I realise that my face has appeared in a number of scam posts about crypto currencies and retirement planning.
“It’s all balls, obviously, but, since I’m here, my genuine financial advice is to say ‘b****cks to it’, and go to the pub.” Following James’ post, his former Grand Tour co-star Jeremy, 63, also addressed the scam.
He doubled down and wrote to his 7.9 million X followers: “To be clear. @MrJamesMay and I are not endorsing any kind of crypto currency.
“I don’t even know what crypto currency is. But it sounds ghastly.”
Following the denial, fans have come out in their droves to support both James and Jeremy.
One wrote: “Love the honesty! It’s like the wild west of digital currencies out there. Maybe stick to horsepower and the open road for now! #NotCryptoFans.”
“You’re right, it is rather ghastly,” replied a second X user.
Another commented: “Sound sensible financial guidance there Mr May doing it properly.”
James and Jeremy are just two of the celebrities to be recently be the targets of online scams.
Earlier this year, the Hairy Bikers team was forced to acknowledge that a fake donations page had been set up in Dave Myers’ memory.
Soon after the star died on February 28 2024 at the age of 66, a page was set up by a fake ‘Si King’ in the hope of collecting donations for ‘Dave’s family’.
In a statement, the Hairy Bikers team wrote: “Hello everyone, It’s come to our attention that someone has set up a fake ‘Si King’ profile asking for donations for Dave’s family.
“This is a scam so please avoid clicking on anything or giving out any personal information. Please block and report the page.
“We are aware of the situation and are working to get it resolved. HB Team.”
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