Impersonation scam; Comedian Charlie Berens reacts, frustrated
The Brief
A Glendale woman says a scammer impersonating Charlie Berens tried to steal hundreds of dollars from her in exchange for backstage tickets.
Berens is aware of impersonation accounts in his name on social media. He says trying to remove them is like "whack-a-mole."
The BBB says this is a combination of the "impersonation scam" and "friendship scam." The scammer quickly tried to develop a personal relationship with the victim.
GLENDALE, Wis. - A comedian known for his viral videos about "Midwestern nice" is reacting to a scam attempt in his name. One woman tells Contact 6 she nearly lost hundreds of dollars.
What we know
Charlie Berens is a stand-up performer who also racks up millions of clicks online for his videos playfully showcasing life in Wisconsin.
His comic persona might ask you for a brandy old-fashioned or a lift to a Culver's. However, Berens says he'd never ask for money outside the legitimate ticketing website for his comedy shows.
"If you get a DM from me asking for your favorite fishing spot, that could be legitimate," Berens told Contact 6. "Aside from that, it's not me."
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
Berens finds no humor in his fans being scammed.
What we know
In early March, a 60-year-old Glendale woman thought she got a message from Berens on TikTok. When she asked about his upcoming shows, the scammer offered to get her tickets. Then, the scammer suggested they move the conversation off TikTok.
The woman was told she needed a 'fan card' to get backstage access. To get one, she had to put $500 on an e-gift card at Walmart.
"I have a lot of empathy for people because it's getting harder and harder to decipher what is true and is not true online," said Berens.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
Before Contact 6 reached out to Berens, he was aware of impersonation accounts in his name.
"It's like whack-a-mole. As soon as you get down one, you get ten more," said Berens.
Why you should care
One red flag in this case? The scammer's TikTok name was CharlieBerens127. Beren's official account is CharlieBerens.
"If there's any numbers behind @CharlieBerens on any of these things, that's a no-go," said Berens.
The victim became skeptical before losing money. She says the scammer got too friendly, calling her "my dear" and saying, "I guess I've been around and waiting for you."
She eventually wrote back, "why in the world would famous Charlie Berens reach out to a complete strange and sweet talk?"
What we know
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says this is an impersonation scam combined with a friendship scam. Friendships scams, alongside romance scams, ranked number three on the BBB's riskiest consumer scams in 2024. Friendship/romance scams also rank number one for amount of money lost.
"I think the thing with celebrity impersonation scams is people want them to be true," said Lisa Schiller of the BBB Serving Wisconsin. "They're going to ask for payment in an untraceable method such as a gift card, or a reloadable card, or wire transfer or cryptocurrency."
What they're saying
Berens worries the impersonation scams will only get worse as more fraudsters embrace AI.
"The lack of regulation around AI, there's more regulation on a bratwurst than there is artificial intelligence," said Berens.
It's unclear whether AI was involved in this scam.
Berens says he's heard about social media impersonators for years. To make sure a page is verified, look for the blue check mark.
More information on imposter scams and AI:
How to avoid impostor scams
Celebrity impersonations get more sophisticated with AI technology
The Source
Information for this report comes from an interview with Charlie Berens, the BBB, the victim and her messaging history with the scammer.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Human-sized Labubu doll sells for more than $150,000
A human-sized Labubu doll was sold this week for a record 1.08m yuan ($150,324; £110,465), according to a Chinese auction house. The 131cm (4ft 4in) figurine was sold at the Yongle International Auction in Beijing. The auctioneer said it is now the most expensive toy of its kind in the world. Labubu dolls are quirky monster characters created a decade ago by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, which have increased in popularity in recent years after a number of celebrity endorsements. Labubu dolls, sold by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, usually cost around 50 yuan. This week's auction was dedicated entirely to Labubu. Forty eight items were put on sale with around 200 people in attendance. The auction house said it raised a total of 3.37m yuan. The figurines have sparked a global buying frenzy after frequently appearing in social media posts by Lisa from the K-pop group Blackpink. The soft toys became a viral TikTok trend after being worn by other celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Former England football captain David Beckham also posted a photo on Instagram of a Labubu attached to his bag. Earlier this year, Pop Mart pulled the dolls from all UK stores following reports of customers fighting over them. The Chinese retailer often sells the collectable toys in mystery "blind boxes". These items are popular with customers who only find out the design of the figurine once they have opened the packaging.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trending in Texoma — Beach Boys sad news and title for 'Worlds Oldest Restaurant'
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Whether it's happening on the other side of the country, somewhere else in Texas, or right in our communities, Digital Producer Mariana Vela takes a look at the stories currently generating the most interest on social media. Social Rundown: Kim Chi Eats the World and TikTok star detained The co-founder of the 1960s boy band Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, has died at the age of 82. Wilson's family announced on social media that his three musical brothers survive him. Two restaurants in Madrid are competing for the title of 'World's Oldest Restaurant.' Both Spanish Taverns, Casa Pedro and Sobrino De Botin, will soon know who is truly the winner. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Time Business News
38 minutes ago
- Time Business News
DooFlix APK Download Latest Version For Android 2025
DooFlix APK is a popular streaming application that allows users to watch a wide range of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and web series directly on their Android devices. Designed with a user-friendly interface, DooFlix offers a seamless viewing experience without the need for complicated subscriptions or sign-ups. Whether you're a fan of Hollywood blockbusters, Bollywood hits, or international cinema, DooFlix provides a diverse content library that caters to all tastes. One of the key features of DooFlix is its regularly updated database, ensuring that users always have access to the latest releases. The app supports HD and Full HD streaming, with the option to adjust video quality based on internet speed. Additionally, users can download content to watch offline, making it convenient for travel or areas with limited connectivity. DooFlix APK also includes multiple server options, helping ensure stable playback even during peak times. With built-in subtitles and support for multiple languages, it caters to a global audience. The app's intuitive layout, categorized content, and search functionality make it easy to find and enjoy your favorite titles quickly. Another major advantage of DooFlix APK is that it is free to use. Unlike many mainstream platforms, there are no subscription fees or hidden costs. However, as it is a third-party app, it is not available on the Google Play Store and must be downloaded via an APK file from trusted sources. Overall, DooFlix APK is an excellent choice for movie and series enthusiasts looking for a flexible, cost-effective, and content-rich streaming solution. With its powerful features and accessibility, it continues to grow in popularity among Android users worldwide. Features OF DooFlix APK Extensive Content Library DooFlix APK boasts a vast collection of content, including movies, TV series, documentaries, and anime from around the world. It covers various genres such as action, comedy, drama, horror, romance, sci-fi, and thriller, catering to a wide range of tastes. Free to Use Unlike most mainstream streaming platforms, DooFlix is completely free. There are no monthly fees, registration requirements, or hidden charges. Users can enjoy unlimited streaming without spending a single penny. High-Quality Streaming The app supports HD, Full HD, and even 4K streaming (where available). It automatically adjusts video quality based on your internet connection or allows you to set it manually for a smooth and buffer-free experience. Offline Viewing DooFlix APK Download offers a download feature that allows users to save their favorite shows and movies directly to their device. This is especially useful for watching content when offline, such as during travel or in areas with poor connectivity. Multiple Language Support The platform includes content in various languages and often provides subtitles in multiple languages as well. This feature helps make international content accessible to a broader audience. User-Friendly Interface DooFlix has a clean, intuitive layout with easy-to-navigate menus, categorized content, and a responsive search function. Even first-time users can browse and watch content without any hassle. Regular Content Updates The app's library is frequently updated with the latest releases, trending titles, and newly added episodes. This ensures users always have fresh content to watch without long waits. Low Storage Requirement Despite offering a wide range of features, DooFlix is a lightweight application. It does not consume much storage or system resources, making it suitable for devices with limited space. No Registration or Login Needed DooFlix values user convenience and privacy. It doesn't require users to create an account or log in, eliminating barriers to access and reducing data sharing concerns. Built-in Video Player The app comes with a built-in video player that supports advanced playback features like fast-forward, subtitles, screen lock, and brightness control, offering a complete in-app viewing experience. Multi-Server Streaming To ensure reliable streaming, DooFlix App offers multiple server options for each title. If one server is slow or down, users can quickly switch to another, minimizing interruptions. Compatibility with Android Devices DooFlix is optimized for a wide range of Android devices including smartphones, tablets, and even Android TV boxes. It works smoothly across various screen sizes and hardware configurations. How To Download Go to Settings > Security and allow installation from unknown sources. Visit a trusted website and download the latest DooFlix v8.6 file. Open your device's File Manager and find the downloaded APK in the Downloads folder. Tap on the APK file to begin the installation process. Allow any required permissions if prompted during installation. Wait for the installation to finish and tap 'Open' once done. For safety, you can turn off installation from unknown sources again. Open DooFlix from your app drawer and start streaming. How to use Launch DooFlix from your device's app drawer. Explore content by categories like Movies, Series, or Trending. Type the title of the movie or show you want to watch. Tap on any title to view its details and streaming options. Pick a server for smoother playback if multiple are available. Hit the play button to start streaming instantly. Use the subtitle option to select your preferred language. Tap the download icon to save content for later viewing. Use the built-in player to control volume, brightness, or screen lock. Tap the heart icon to save titles to your favorites list. Check for updates to get the latest features and content. Use the back button or menu to exit the app when finished. Conclusion TIME BUSINESS NEWS