Phising on rise in California: Three signs a text message is an AI scam
Consumer warning video explaining how scammers use AI-generated texts, voice clones, and fake emails to target California residents, highlighting key red flags and protection tips.
Sandra Bullock is revealing the real reason she finally decided to join social media, and it wasn’t just to promote her new movie.
The “Practical Magic” star opened up about what prompted her to establish an online presence during a recent appearance on the “SmartLess” podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes. Bullock, who has largely stayed away from social platforms throughout her career, said she created an official account after learning that scammers were using her identity to deceive fans online.Bullock, 62, recently joined Instagram, where she has also been sharing glimpses into her personal life and promoting her upcoming film, “Practical Magic 2.” But the actress said publicity wasn’t the main reason behind her social media debut.
The Oscar-winning actress said the problem began escalating over a year ago as people impersonating her online allegedly convinced unsuspecting fans to hand over money.
“About a year and a half ago, I had to because there were people that were using my name and likeness to scam money out of people,” Bullock said. “My sister would have people reaching out to her saying, ‘Your sister took thousands of dollars from me.'”
Bullock said the impact on victims ultimately pushed her to establish an official social media presence.
“The harm that it was causing, families going, ‘We don’t know how to tell this person it’s fake,’ and I would have people call them saying, ‘It’s fake, it’s not real,'” she continued. “I had no intention of ever going on social media. It was never my calling. And then once I did that, it stopped a little bit, but it doesn’t really. It’s just never-ending.”Bullock also issued a warning about the problem in 2025, telling People at the time that fake accounts claiming to be her or people associated with her were being created for “financial gain” or to exploit others.”My family’s safety, as well as the innocent people being taken advantage of, is my deep concern, and there will be a time when I will comment more, but for now our focus is helping law enforcement handle this matter,” the actress told the outlet. “Please be aware that I do not participate in any form of social media. Any accounts pretending to be me or anyone associated with me are fake accounts and have been created for financial gain or to exploit people around me,” she added.
During the podcast, Bullock also spoke publicly for the first time about losing her longtime partner, Bryan Randall, who died in 2023 at 57 following a private three-year battle with ALS.Bullock’s arrival on social media also comes ahead of her return as Sally Owens in “Practical Magic 2,” the sequel to the 1998 cult classic. Nicole Kidman is also returning as Sally’s sister, Gillian Owens, and the film is set to hit theaters in September.
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY