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Spiranac adopted Niko, an Australian Cattle Dog mix, in 2017, according to a Facebook post.
But as support poured in for the former college golf champion, something more sinister was afoot.
On Thursday, after first thanking her fans and followers for their support, Spiranac then had to clear the air over a nefarious scheme aimed at preying on their sympathy.
I just wanted to thank everyone for the support I received yesterday❤️ the kind wishes means so much to me and my family. Niko was such a special pup🐾 pic.twitter.com/1vkMdkPGhk
Jon McCarthy has something for every golfer, with a notably Canadian slant.
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Spiranac warned that scammers were pretending to be her in order to exploit those hoping to help in a time of need.
“I can’t believe I even have to write this,” the golf influencer posted to her X account. “Someone is pretending to be me online and asking people to donate money to a fund for my dog who just died. It’s a scam.
“Please do not donate. Block and report. Thank you!”
I can’t believe I even have to write this. Someone is pretending to be me online and asking people to donate money to a fund for my dog who just died. It’s a scam. Please do not donate. Block and report. Thank you!
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Spiranac had received a ton of support after announcing the death of Niko, with her post on X receiving more than 2,200 replies.
“Niko was so unbelievably lucky to have you and your family. My heart breaks for you all. The worst pain in the world,” TGL’s Samantha Marks wrote.
Kayce Smith of Barstool Sports replied, “I’m so sorry, my love” with a crying emoji.
This isn’t the first time that Spiranac, who boasts more than 5 million followers across her social media platforms, has had to warn her fans to be wary of imposters.
Just some of the fake accounts on twitter. Please report and block accounts claiming to be me. I do not have any private accounts and I will never ask for money or gift cards. I don’t have Google hangouts or WhatsApp. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/1TuYJIkrFg
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Last year, she shared a story about a “scary” imposter trying to use her likeness.
Spiranac warned fans of a potential scam aimed at trying to cash in on her massive social media following, sharing a Photoshopped picture that someone had sent.
Someone sent me this picture that some impersonator sent them. This is honestly so scary! They took a screenshot of a video I did a couple years ago holding a head cover and photoshopped a sign in.
PSA do not talk to anyone claiming to be me! I’m not on any chat apps. I will… pic.twitter.com/NUliWBDxYb
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“This is honestly so scary!” the former low-level professional golfer said. “They took a screenshot of a video I did a couple years ago holding a head cover and photoshopped a sign in.
“PSA do not talk to anyone claiming to be me! I’m not on any chat apps. I will only ever respond from my verified social media accounts and my passes account. Please report and block anyone claiming to be me!”
The 31-year-old former San Diego State and University of Arizona star has taken swings at her imposters before, posting a screenshot of two fake accounts sniping at each other over which one was the real Spiranac.
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Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.