Sunrise host Natalie Barr has issued an urgent warning to viewers after scammers impersonated her on social media in an attempt to defraud fans. Speaking on the Channel Seven breakfast show, the 58-year-old presenter shared her concerns after a viewer alerted her to a fake account using her name and image.
The scammer, using the handle @natalie_barr_7 and Barr's picture, sent an Instagram message to a fan named Sharon. The message read: "Hello, Sharon! How are you doing?" When Sharon replied positively, the fraudster claimed they had been "monitoring" her profile. Fortunately, Sharon became suspicious and blocked the account, preventing further contact.
Barr emphasized that her official Instagram handle is @natalie_barr7, not the one used by the scammer. She stated that while she does interact with fans on her verified account, she would never initiate unsolicited conversations or ask for money, investments, gift cards, bank details, or personal information. "These messages are different," she said. "I would never contact someone out of the blue claiming I've been monitoring their profile."
Barr urged viewers to trust their instincts if a message seems suspicious, to block the account, and to report it to the social media platform. She also asked people to check on vulnerable relatives, as they are often targeted by such scams.
Sunrise shared the warning on its official Instagram page, reiterating that Barr will never reach out unprovoked to request money or sensitive information. The post concluded: "Stay safe online, everyone!"
