If you’ve recently received a personal message from actor Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World), you might want to look twice. Pratt announced on his official Instagram page that an imposter has created several social media accounts in his name, using them to send inappropriate messages to women online.
Pratt wrote on Instagram:
“It terrifies me to think someone could be hurt, their feelings or much worse, by this imposter/potential predator. I’ve had many, many people tell me about this. It’s not an isolated incident. If anyone is in contact with this person block them immediately.”
At the end of his message, he closes with a message to the imposter directly: “Go find Jesus. Praying for you.”
Pratt has always been open with his faith. In 2016, he erected a cross on a California hillside for Easter, posting about it on Instagram. It is always encouraging when celebrities publicly pronounce their faith.
If you or your child has been contacted by someone claiming to be a celebrity, look for the blue “verified” checkmark next to their name. If the account seems suspicious, immediately block that person and report the profile.
Educating your kids on Internet safety is crucial in an era when predators lurk online. Monitoring their Internet usage through parental controls and providing access to safe entertainment options (like PureFlix.com) allows you to teach your children how to navigate today’s culture with wisdom.