If you’re a fan of the long-running Aussie soap Home & Away, you might know Nicholas Cartwright as Senior Constable Cash Newman.

While his on-screen persona is all about keeping Summer Bay safe, it turns out Nicholas is also looking out for his fans in real life.


Earlier this week, Nicholas posted a video message online, directly addressing his followers.

However, the video message particularly targeted his female fanbase.

‘Just thought I’d make a really quick video,’ Nicholas prefaced the video.


‘I don’t normally like to make these sort of announcement things, but a lot of women are getting catfished using my pictures on Facebook.’

Scammers have been using his photos and identity to trick unsuspecting fans into believing they’re in a relationship with him.

Eventually, scammers posing as Cartwright ask these fans for money.


Nicolas Cartwright explained that the situation has spiralled out of control.

Apart from fans being scammed, his family members and manager are being contacted by fans, claiming that they spoke to the real Nicholas.

‘All sorts of bizarre stuff is going on,’ Cartwright added.

‘I’ve been getting messages about it, and now I’ve got people contacting my family and my manager.’

‘This is my only social media. I hardly use social media,’ he stated.

‘Long story short, I apologise to anyone getting scammed. Not that it’s my fault.’

‘I hope that you’re OK. I’m not asking for money or trying to get married to anyone in New Zealand!’ Nicolas Cartwright concluded.


The scam was a classic case of ‘catfishing’, where scammers create a fake online identity to trick people for financial gain.

In this case, scammers used Nicholas Cartwright’s photos, pretending to be him.

These scammers then build fake relationships with fans and ask for money or favours.

Unfortunately, Nicholas was not the first celebrity to have his identity stolen by scammers.

Scammers often use famous personalities for these schemes, as fans usually trust messages that appear to come from them.

Seniors could also be vulnerable to these types of scams, as they may be less familiar with the tricks scammers use online.


According to the ACCC’s Scamwatch, romance and celebrity impersonation scams cost Australians millions of dollars annually.

Additional reports also stated that women over 55 are some of the most targeted individuals by these types of scams.

So, how can you make sure you don’t fall victim to a scam like this? Here are some tips:

• Check the account: Most celebrities have a blue ‘verified’ tick on their official social media accounts. If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be a celebrity, check if their account is verified.
• Be wary of private messages: Celebrities rarely reach out to fans privately, especially to start a relationship or ask for money.
• Never send money or personal details: No genuine celebrity will ask you for cash, gift cards, or your bank details.
• Look for inconsistencies: Poor spelling, strange requests, or stories that don’t add up are all red flags.
• Ask a friend or family member: If you’re unsure, talk to someone you trust before responding.

It can get exciting when a popular TV personality messages you out of nowhere, but remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Have you or someone you know ever been contacted by a scammer pretending to be a celebrity? What tips do you have for spotting a scam? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!