A California appeals court has ruled in favor of country singer Kenny Chesney after a fan sued him over an online impersonation scam that cost her more than $300,000. The woman argued that Chesney had a duty to warn or protect her from people pretending to be him online.
The fan also alleged that an unidentified Chesney employee helped facilitate the scheme. However, the appeals court found that she did not provide enough evidence to support those claims or establish that Chesney was legally responsible for the financial loss.
The ruling leaves the singer protected from the lawsuit, while the case highlights the risks of online impersonation scams involving celebrities.
Consumers should be cautious when someone claiming to be a celebrity requests money, personal information, or financial transfers online.
The court’s decision confirms that victims of impersonation scams still need evidence showing a legal duty or direct involvement before holding another party responsible for their losses.
