Indiana Goldblum Lookalike Scams Target Elder Seniors

Picture this: a silver‑haired senior, armed with a bingo card and a bewildered look, walks into the local community center. A flash of neon, a booming voice, and “Goldblum!”—the announcement of the state‑wide Goldblum lookalike contest. The prize? A shiny new gold-plated fountain pen and the chance to appear on a national television show. Sound too good? It’s exactly what scammers are doing—using the silver screen star’s charm to extract cash from Indiana’s most vulnerable.

Why the Goldblum Lookalike Lure Works

Goldblum, known for his quirky charisma and unmistakable hairline, has become a cultural icon. When you add “lookalike contest” to the mix, it triggers a cascade of psychological responses:

• Authority bias: “If it’s on TV, it must be legit.”
• Social proof: “Everyone’s doing it!”
• Scarcity principle: “Only 50 entries per state.”
• Familiarity effect: “I know Goldblum, so I trust the contest.”

These triggers are a recipe for exploitation gold mine. Scammers exploit the same tactics you’d see in a well‑written phishing email: an urgent deadline, a friendly tone, and a link that looks official.

Step‑by‑Step: The Scam Blueprint

Below is a “how not to” guide that outlines the typical scam flow. If you recognize any of these steps, stay away—unless you’re a detective in Indiana’s Department of Consumer Affairs.

1. The Initial Contact

1. A caller or email says, “Congratulations! You’ve been selected for the Indiana Goldblum Lookalike Contest.”
2. The message includes a http://goldblumcontest.in.gov link that looks like the official state website.
3. They mention a $5,000 registration fee for the contest.

2. The “Verification” Process

4. You’re asked to upload a photo of yourself wearing a Goldblum‑style wig.
5. The scammers claim they’ll review your photo on Monday, May 1st, and you’ll receive a phone call if selected.
6. In the meantime, they ask for your social security number and a copy of your driver’s license—“for identity verification.”

3. The “Contest” Event

7. The event is scheduled at a “premium venue” in Indianapolis.
8. You’re told you’ll receive a $10,000 prize if your lookalike performance is “top tier.”
9. The organizers insist on a deposit of $3,000 to cover venue costs.
10. Once you pay, the “organizers” vanish—no event takes place.

4. The Aftermath

“I was so excited to meet Goldblum, but then I realized it was a scam. The only thing I got was a hole in my wallet.” – A bewildered Indiana senior, 72

Real-World Impact: Numbers That Hurt

According to the Indiana Office of Consumer Protection, over 150 seniors have fallen victim to similar lookalike scams since 2023. Below is a quick snapshot of the financial damage:

Notice how the average loss per victim remains constant, regardless of the total number of victims. This consistency indicates a well‑structured scam template.

What You Can Do: A Quick Checklist

• Verify the source: Search the official Indiana contest site. Legitimate contests will have a .gov domain.
• Check the email address: Scammers often use disposable domains or slight misspellings.
• Never give personal data: Legitimate contests never ask for your SSN or driver’s license up front.
• Ask for a phone number: A real organization will have a verifiable contact line.
• Report suspicious activity: Contact the Indiana Office of Consumer Protection or the FTC.

Technical Deep‑Dive (but Don’t Panic)

If you’re a tech whiz, here’s what you can check under the hood:

Domain Analysis

Run whois goldblumcontest.in.gov. A legitimate domain will show a clear registration date and an official organization as the registrant.

SSL Certificate

Use openssl s_client -connect goldblumcontest.in.gov:443. A valid certificate will display CN=goldblumcontest.in.gov.

URL Phishing Check

Enter the URL into PhishTank or Google Safe Browsing. A flagged result means “do not click.”

Bottom Line: Don’t Let the Goldblum Game Get You K.O.

Indiana’s senior citizens are treasure troves of wisdom—and unfortunately, also ripe targets for scams that masquerade as glittering golden opportunities. The Goldblum lookalike contest is a modern take on the classic “get rich quick” scheme, wrapped in Hollywood glam.

Remember: if something feels too good to be true—especially if it involves a glittery prize and a fee—stop, think, and double‑check. Your hard‑earned savings deserve better than a silver‑haired scammer’s glitter.

Stay savvy, stay safe, and keep that bingo card handy—just in case the next “Goldblum” turns out to be a scammer in disguise.