Nelly Korda Fed Up With ‘Out of Hand’ Scam After Fan Was Duped of $15,000 Retirement Money

With over a million followers on Instagram, LPGA star Nelly Korda has made it her mission to shield fans from scammers impersonating her online. In fact, she has a warning post pinned to her profile, after all the numerous cases, that reads: “I’ve noticed an increase in fake accounts using my name to try to scam people. Please know I will never ask any of my fans for any money. Any outreach on my behalf is fake and run by scammers.” To avoid confusion, she even lists her official handles so admirers know where to find the real her.

Yet, despite her efforts, the scams haven’t disappeared—and the latest case proves just how dangerous they’ve become.

Recently, The Athletic went undercover to expose how these scams unfold. Reporters set up a fake account, followed a real LPGA player, and soon attracted a scammer posing as the golfer. The staged interaction revealed the tactics used to lure unsuspecting fans, from casual introductions to emotional manipulation.

Following that, they also had a conversation with the LPGA professional Korda, who shared the shocking “out of hand” situation with a fan. She shared how a 72-year-old man from South Carolina was approached by an account claiming to be Nelly Korda. What any person would feel getting a chance to talk with an icon, the old man conversed with the hacker disguised as Korda in June 2024. The talks escalated so quickly that the man was convinced that he would be marrying the golfer.

He, meanwhile, transferred a sum of $15000, which was his retirement fund as reported by family, and despite multiple attempts from his children, the fan kept believing he was talking to Nelly Korda. Interestingly, he was about to sell his house to marry fake Nelly. After multiple attempts and help from intervention services, the fan got a reality check when the scammer made an excuse of (Nelly Korda’s) injury, and there wasn’t any official news about it. Finally, he realised he was not talking to Nelly, but by that time, his retirement fund was gone.

It is disheartening for golfers to know that fans are getting scammed in their names. Even to educate everyone, Korda has made every effort. She has a warning statement pinned to her official Instagram account. It reads, “It’s been taken out of my hands being able to communicate freely with fans.” Being an active professional, she shared that she reports 20 accounts daily. The golfer has also been trying to do her part, but the scams have escalated to the point where it’s getting out of hand.

“You’re just put into a situation you really don’t want to be in. You feel bad, you feel guilty for people going through this. It’s the last thing you want,” she said. “It’s not only putting the players in danger, in a sense, but it’s putting all the fans in danger.” The scam has increased multiple-fold in the past few years, and it is not just the fans of Nelly Korda, but other professionals have experienced the same.

The issue extends beyond Korda. Even golf influencer Paige Spiranac has voiced her frustration after impostors exploited her identity to deceive fans earlier this year. Spiranc has faced this issue more than she could count by now. Sharing her dismay on social media, Spiranac revealed that these fake accounts not only take advantage of her name but also manipulate her followers, leaving her feeling helpless against the growing tide of scams.

These increasing amount of instances have made other professionals try different methods to help fans.

Nelly Korda & Co. make sure to protect the fans from scammers

Along with Nelly Korda her, other golfers like Michelle Wie West and Charley Hull have stepped in to help fans from the ongoing scam on the golfer’s name. West on social media shared, “This is my only account!!! Please report any account trying to message you or request a follow!” Earlier this season, West observed a fake account in her name, is contacting her fans and has asked for money. Addressing that, West shared and updated the fans about her account and the actions her team will take against it.

While Charley Hull joined writing, “I will never ask for money or gift cards in exchange for meet and greets or fan club membership. There are SO many fake accounts out there claiming to be me, if you are contacted by them, please, please report. Let’s stick together so we can beat the scammers.” A similar instance happened with fans of Charley Hull in December 2024, where scammers disguised as Hull asked for money for a fan club, meet and greet, and other intimidating options to meet the golfer. But with her post, she clarified and asked everyone to stay away from it.

But despite the attempt to help fans, the scammers are bringing in new ways to ask for money, being‌ fake professionals. Fans with the hope of meeting their favorite or having a photo with them get scammed, which leaves the entire golf world desolate. As golf fans, let’s join hands to combat scammers and foster a sport that grows with the love and support of fans, not by those who exploit it.