Music icon Sir Tom Jones has issued a stark warning to his followers about a distressing wave of online scams, where fraudsters are impersonating him to target vulnerable fans.
A Plea for Caution on Social Media
The 85-year-old Welsh singer took to his official Instagram on Friday to share a sobering message. He posted a black screen with urgent red text, revealing that his management team had discovered numerous fake profiles pretending to be him or members of his team.
These impostors are actively attempting to deceive and financially exploit members of the public. Sir Tom's statement made it unequivocally clear that he does not personally or directly communicate with individuals via his social media channels.
"It is sad and disheartening to hear of these scammers attempting to trap and abuse vulnerable people," the post read, as he begged everyone to "please be careful and stay safe online." Fans were advised to immediately report and block any profile that attempts to initiate a private conversation, as it will not be the genuine singer or his representatives.
Controversy Over Classic Hit 'Delilah'
The warning about online safety came shortly after Sir Tom headlined a concert at Cardiff Castle, where he faced a sea of supportive boos from the audience. The reaction was prompted when he addressed the controversial ban of his 1968 hit song, 'Delilah'.
The ballad, which tells a story of a crime of passion, had been a long-time anthem sung by crowds at Welsh rugby union matches. However, it was banned from being played at sporting fixtures in 2023 due to lyrics that depict the murder of a woman.
When Sir Tom mentioned the ban during his performance, the crowd loudly booed in a show of solidarity with the artist. This led to an impassioned response from the stage. "Who's that man who said we shouldn't sing that song anymore?" he asked the audience. "I used to wait for it and then they said we can't sing it anymore."
He argued that the song's narrative should not be taken literally, defending its place in popular culture. Defiantly, he proceeded to perform the track for his fans.
A Broader Swipe at Authority Figures
Sir Tom used the platform not only to defend his music but also to express a wider scepticism of authority. He cautioned the Cardiff Castle audience to "be careful of politicians," delivering a well-known quip: "You know when a politician is lying? When his lips move."
The twin stories from the weekend highlight a veteran performer navigating modern challenges: from the perils of the digital world, where his likeness is used to exploit others, to defending artistic expression against contemporary censorship debates. For his legion of fans, the message is twofold: remain vigilant online and continue to cherish the classics, controversy and all.
