Van Morrison warns fans over online scammers impersonating him

ONLINE scammers are impersonating Van Morrison in messages sent through social media, the Belfast singer has warned fans.

The musician said a "growing number " of accounts have been impersonating him and members of his music company in messages, and urged people not to engage with any claiming to be associated with him.

The Brown Eyed Girl artist posted a warning to his official Facebook and Twitter accounts on Monday.

"It has been brought to our attention that there are a growing number of accounts impersonating Van Morrison and/or members of his team sending out scam messages," the post stated.

DUP will not attend All-Ireland football final

TUV anger at BBCNI reporter’s support for All-Ireland finalists

"Please be advised that Van Morrison, nor any members of his team including Exile Productions staff will contact any followers directly via social media channels."

The post warned his followers to "report and block" any such accounts, adding that updates from the star would only be posted to his official social media accounts or on his website.

The warning from the east Belfast star follows a recent investigation by the Evening Standard newspaper on scammers using sophisticated AI technology to create accounts impersonating celebrities including TV survivalist Bear Grylls and former Arsenal footballer-turned-pundit Ian Wright.

Read more: Van Morrison on going back to his skiffle roots, writing for Kenneth Branagh's Belfast and how David Bowie nearly went Into the Mystic...