Actor Johnny Depp is working to combat "illicit schemes" created by online scammers and AI "illusions" in his New Year message.

"Sadly, it has been brought to my attention that online scammers are intensifying their efforts to target my fans and supporters," the actor wrote on social media.

Johnny Depp told his legions of fans not to be thwarted by online scammers requesting money from Depp imposters, in a social media post shared Monday.

In an Instagram post on Monday, actor Johnny Depp warned his followers of an online scam being carried out in his name. “Sadly, it has been brought to my attention that online scammers are intensifying their efforts to target my fans and supporters,

Johnny Depp has been forced to step in and issue a warning to his fans due to a rise in social media scams. The Pirates of the Caribbean star shared a post on Monday (6 January), telling his Instagram followers that scammers “are intensifying their efforts to target my fans and supporters”.

The actor took to Instagram on Tuesday to wish a Happy New Year along with a statement in which he urged fans not to interact with anyone who appears to be posing as him on social media. "Sadly, it has been brought to my attention that online scammers are intensifying their efforts to target my fans and supporters.