Natalie Barr issues stern warning to Sunrise viewers after online catfish scammed her fans: 'I would never ask for money'

Natalie Barr has warned her fans about online scammers using her name and image. 

The Sunrise host shared a heartfelt message on the breakfast show earlier this week, after becoming aware of catfish accounts who were attempting to con viewers. 

These fake accounts have approached fans online while posing as Natalie, 58, and attempted to extort funds from their targets.   

'I want to share something important with you today. Over the past few weeks, I've become aware of a growing number of fake social media accounts pretending to be me,' Natalie began. 

She then showed an example of one such fake account interacting with one of her social media followers. 

'That is not my social media name. You can see there are a few small differences,' Nat went on. 

'Some of these accounts are sending private messages to people like you, striking up random conversations.'

Natalie explained that because she does interact with fans online, there has been some confusion - but she specified that she only does so from her verified, blue-ticked Instagram account.  

'I love hearing your feedback about the show, your stories, your favourite interviews and yes, even questions about what I'm wearing,' she continued.  

'But these messages are different. I would never contact someone out of the blue claiming I've been monitoring their profile. I would never ask for money, investments, gift cards, bank details or personal information.'

The television host continued: 'Sadly, scammers are be becoming increasingly sophisticated. They use my name, my photos, and sometimes even copy my entire profile to make themselves look legitimate.

'If you receive a message that doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Block the account, and please report it.' 

Natalie went on to plead with viewers to check in with their loved ones, especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams, such as the elderly. 

'They're often the people being targeted,' she explained. 

'I love connecting with my amazing Sunrise family. Scammers pretending to be me, do not. Please stay safe online everyone.'

Natalie received overwhelming support in the comments section on her official Instagram page, including from those who had fallen victim to catfish and scammers. 

'One got me and I fell for it,' admitted one person. 

Another wrote: 'Well said Nat. There seems to be a lot of them on all social media platforms. It's happened to me too, that's why I block them and report them just like you said.'

'We all know that you wouldn't do that at all, it's low-life scum that have no life,' one more chimed in. 

Someone else said: 'True, I have seen posts on Facebook claiming to be you. Great to hear you are onto the fake social media posts!'