College Sports Fans Targeted in Scam Linked to Trump Shooting Suspect
A novel online scam is exploiting college sports fans, mirroring a previous scheme that targeted NFL enthusiasts. The scam, linked to Cole Tomas Allen – the individual accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump – utilizes fake information spread through Facebook pages dedicated to college sports teams. This follows a similar incident involving false reports surrounding Charlie Kirk, highlighting a growing trend of disinformation campaigns leveraging popular interests.
How the Scam Works
An investigation by SFGATE revealed that numerous Facebook pages focused on college sports are sharing nearly identical posts. These pages, including those dedicated to teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, and LSU Tigers, are disseminating false information about Allen’s background. The posts feature a photo of Allen, both the image of him being apprehended and an AI-generated image altered to include university logos.
The accompanying text falsely claims Allen is a former staff member of the university’s athletic program, tailoring the claim to each page’s specific team. For example, the post on an Alabama Crimson Tide fan page alleges Allen previously worked for the Alabama football team. A similar tactic was used in a previous scam involving NFL teams, where false information was spread about Charlie Kirk.
Connection to the Trump Shooting Incident
The scam emerged shortly after Cole Allen was arrested for allegedly attempting to harm President Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The posts capitalize on public interest in the event, using the incident as a hook to spread disinformation. The speed and coordinated nature of the posts suggest a deliberate effort to exploit the situation.
Previous Scam Targeting NFL Fans
This incident is reminiscent of a large-scale scam that targeted NFL players and teams in September 2025. That scheme involved the spread of false information about the death of Charlie Kirk, utilizing similar tactics of fabricated news and social media dissemination. The current college sports scam appears to be employing the same methods, indicating a pattern of coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Potential Risks and Awareness
Whereas the immediate impact of the scam remains unclear, experts warn that it could be used to gather personal information or spread further disinformation. The SFGATE investigation noted that victims may not yet realize they have been targeted. It is crucial for social media users to be vigilant and critically evaluate information before sharing it, especially when it originates from unverified sources.
Source: SFGATE