Veteran comedian Sir Billy Connolly has issued an urgent alert to supporters after discovering that online fraudsters are exploiting artificial intelligence technology to mimic both him and his wife, Pamela Stephenson, in sophisticated scams targeting his fanbase.

The 82-year-old Scottish entertainer revealed that numerous fraudulent accounts have emerged across social media platforms, with criminals using AI to replicate his distinctive voice and appearance to deceive unsuspecting fans.

According to a statement published on his official website, the comedy legend has become aware of scam artists who contact followers of his legitimate Facebook page before attempting to lure them into private conversations where they solicit money for bogus merchandise or fabricated meetings.

The fraudsters employ multiple deceptive tactics, establishing fake accounts across various platforms and encouraging victims to shift conversations to private messaging applications.

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Once isolated from public view, the scammers request payment for non-existent merchandise, fabricated fan cards, or promised personal meetings with the Glasgow-born performer.

The criminals create numerous bogus social media and email accounts, with Connolly warning of potential criminal intent behind these operations.

Voice cloning technology enables fraudsters to reproduce a person’s speech patterns from mere seconds of audio footage, easily obtained from videos posted online or social media content.

The Advertising Standards Authority reported that fake advertisements featuring celebrities constituted the most frequently reported scam adverts in 2024, highlighting the widespread nature of such deceptive practices.

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In his comprehensive warning, Connolly stated: “I NEVER interact directly with fans or supporters, and would never suggest they direct message me, meet me, send me money or purchase goods directly.”

The performer emphasised that his official Facebook page represents his sole social media presence, confirming he maintains no accounts on Instagram, X, Snapchat, Telegram or other platforms.

“My likeness and the sound of my voice can be created by AI… so beware!” he cautioned supporters.

Connolly clarified that neither his wife, Pamela, nor their children maintains public social media accounts, addressing attempts to impersonate family members.

His only legitimate online presence consists of his Facebook page and official website at billyconnolly.com.

The comedian, knighted in 2017 for services to entertainment and charity, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013 and retired from live stand-up performances five years later.

Despite his medical condition, he has maintained an active presence through television projects including Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland in 2018, Billy Connolly’s Great American Trail in 2019 and Billy Connolly Does… which began broadcasting in 2022.

The incident follows a recent case where a French woman was defrauded of nearly £700,000 by criminals using AI-generated images and videos to impersonate Brad Pitt.

Connolly concluded his warning with characteristic warmth: “Please be safe everyone! Love and cuddles, Billy.”

The scam warning was Connolly’s first statement on his website since December last year.