Man With Diabilities Scammed Out Of “Hundreds” By Fake Country Stars
Anthony Mcilvanie of Troy, Texas, appeared on KCEN 6 News to warn others about online safety after he was targeted by people who were impersonating country stars like Cody Johnson and Chris Young.
Beginning in 2020, Mcilvanie, who has an “intellectual and developmental disability,” as well as “mild autism,” began talking to who he thought were celebrities Johnson and Young on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Over time, the scammers would build a relationship with Mcilvanie gaining his trust. Then, they started asking for personal information.
He told 6 News, “They would ask my age, they would ask me for my social security information, my disability. They would ask for bank information and they would also ask for Apple gift cards or Steam cards.”
Mcilvanie lost “hundreds of dollars” to the scammers before his family found out.
To pour salt in the wound, his family found out this wasn’t the first time he’d been scammed online.
He revealed, “I’ve been scammed back from several things in the past. My family didn’t know that, I was kept a secret for a while, that I’ve been scammed off and on since 2020.”
Mcilvanie Issues A Warning To Others
Mcilvanie now has a system in place, which includes his mom monitoring his messages and blocking people who seem like they are up to no good.
They also have a message to caregivers of people like him:
“I would ask them to be more careful to help their clients as need. Advocate if you see something that isn’t right or in their contact list that is not the people that they are following. Instantly do me a favor, block the information as possible.”
He said we should all be more cautious as to what we post on social media and if someone contacts you, to be diligent in trying to prove they are who they say there are. He is even urging Governor Greg Abbott to “pass legislation requiring additional safeguards for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities over age 30.”
6 News says that experts have compiled a list of “Red flags” to look out. A celebrity will never ask you for this information, so if someone does, immediately block them!
- Requests for personal information like Social Security numbers or bank details
- Demands for payment through gift cards or wire transfers
- Contact through unofficial channels like WhatsApp or new social media accounts
- Claims of romantic interest or special fan relationships
- Pressure to keep conversations secret from family or caregivers
Celebrities Have Warned Their Fans Against Scammers
It’s sad to say, but Mcilvanie’s situation will not be the last we will hear about celebrity scammers, no matter how much everyone warns their fans.
In July 2025, Johnson issued a warning to his fans to watch out for scammers.
“We’ve been made aware of fake accounts and individuals pretending to be Cody Johnson on social media. Please know Cody Johnson and his team members will NEVER ask you for money, gift cards or personal information—not in messages, comments, on the phone or via text message,” his team wrote. “Be suspicious of anyone claiming to be Cody Johnson, or any other public figure, asking for donations, participation in investment opportunities, or exclusive access to Cody Johnson in exchange for money.”
In November 2024, Alan Jackson had to warn his fans after one woman was scammed out of $3,000 buying gift cards for someone who she thought was the country legend. He has issued several warnings over the years, including one in January 2025.
Other victims have fallen for scammers thinking they were Kevin Costner, Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Brooks & Dunn, and many more.
Stay vigilant online and never give your information to people you don’t know, and remember, celebrities will never personally ask you for money of any kind!
