Catfishing scams hit LPGA community

A closer look at a growing social media scam that impersonates LPGA players to swindle fans and test security across the sport.

Catfishing Scams Put Fans and Golfers in Danger

An investigation by The Athletic shows a rising catfishing pattern that preys on LPGA fans. The outlet created a fake Instagram account, then observed how quickly it was contacted by a supposed star and steered to private messaging on other platforms. The real golfer did not reach out, and Rodney Raclette from Indiana did not exist beyond the test account. The con works by impersonating an athlete, moving conversations to apps like Telegram or WhatsApp to dodge social media controls, offering perks or deals, and demanding payments through cryptocurrency or gift cards. Once money is paid, the scammer vanishes. The scheme is spreading across the LPGA with warnings from Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Charley Hull, Morgan Pressel, Jennifer Kupcho, and others, along with comments from golf influencers. Victims sometimes blame the athlete even after learning it is fake, a sign of how trust erodes online. There are notable cases, including a Pennsylvania man who paid around $70,000 and a California man who paid about $50,000, believing they were connected to a player. Law enforcement faces challenges, as many culprits operate abroad and small-dollar frauds are hard to pursue. Security has become part of the sport, with players like Hailey Ostrom and Spiranac adapting to new threats. The report underscores how the blend of fandom and anonymity creates a growing danger for both fans and the athletes they follow.

The story exposes a tension at the heart of modern sports fandom: the ease of access to athletes online versus the fragility of that trust. Scammers exploit the appeal of personal access and the allure of exclusive experiences, then disappear as quickly as they appeared. This isn’t just about money; it reshapes how fans engage with players and how players protect themselves. Platforms struggle to verify identities at speed, while cross-border fraud thrives on anonymity and crypto payments. The piece argues for stronger verification, better reporting channels, and coordinated action between clubs, leagues, and law enforcement. In the meantime, athletes must balance openness with safety, and fans must learn to verify accounts through official channels, not personal messages.

Highlights

As online life grows more complex, vigilance becomes part of the game.