Tyler Hynes & Hallmark Warn Fans About Social Media Messaging Scam

Hallmark movie and TV fans, if you received a direct message (DM) from a supposed Hallmark “star” on social media, we have some disappointing news for you: It’s most likely a scam. In fact, this online scam has become so widespread that the network itself has spoken out, along with actors like Tyler Hynes (Three Wise Men and a Baby and Christmas at Sea). We have everything you need to know about the social media scandal currently shaking up the Hallmark Channel and its stars, including how you can protect yourself from it, below! 

What is the Hallmark social media scam?

On August 1, Hallmark took to its social media accounts to address the fact that several fans had received messages from people claiming to be network stars. In these messages, the “star” eventually asks the person for money. 

Oftentimes, the scammer also claims to be romantically interested in the person and insists the money they are sending will help fund things like a vacation or a potential engagement. To make the lie even more convincing, they sometimes even create videos using artificial intelligence (AI), audio clips and pictures of the celebrity—all in an attempt to eliminate any doubt and make the scam seem real. 

One of the Hallmark actors being used in these impersonations is 39-year-old Hynes. In response to the network’s warning post, one Hallmark fan commented that they “had no idea there were that many Tyler Hynes in the universe,” hinting at the fact that the actor had been impersonated several times online over the past couple of months.

Tyler Hynes in 2024
Dave Kotinsky/Getty for Hallmark Media

Hynes himself even commented on these impersonations, writing in an Instagram post, “Please be aware of scammers. Please never send anyone money. Please look after the vulnerable…It is not just our community. It is everywhere. Awareness is everything. And AI is making even less pleasant with voice, video and pictures being very realistic.” 

His post came after Hallmark’s August 1 post, which read, “Our Hallmark stars will never contact you directly for any reason. To stay connected, please follow their official social handles, avoid any engagement with imposter accounts, and report any scams to Facebook/Instagram. We love & appreciate your support!” 

As of publication, it remains unclear how many of the stars got impersonated online and how many people fell victim to the scam; however, many actors and actresses like Ashley Williams, Erin Cahill and Melissa Peterman did voice their support for Hallmark’s statement in the comments, opening the door for people to wonder if they had scammers pretending to be them online as well. 

4 easy ways to protect yourself from these online impersonators

Women's hand typing on mobile smartphone, Live Chat Chatting on application Communication Digital Web and social network Concept.
Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty

As Hallmark mentioned above, there are several different ways to protect yourself from online scammers.

  • The first is to recognize that stars are most likely not going to be messaging you online, asking for money. 
  • The second is to double-check the account. Is it verified? Does it look real? Are there other accounts under that same name that look more legitimate? If that’s the case, then you should block the scam account and delete all your correspondence with them, helping to ensure that they can never contact you again. 
  • You can also go to your Facebook and Instagram DMs and set it so that only people you’re friends with can message you. To do that on Facebook, go to settings, find something that says “Message Delivery,” and then change it to “friends.”
  • To do the same thing on Instagram, click on “Settings and Privacy,” then “Messages and Story Replies,” and finally select “Your followers on Instagram.” You do have to be private on the app, though, to set up this security setting. 
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