- Thai police caution Liverpool fans about online scams involving the impersonation of Xabi Alonso, a potential manager, requesting donations for travel
- The Central Investigation Bureau warns against a deceptive message falsely attributing quotes to Alonso’s Instagram account, urging fans’ caution
Thai police have cautioned Liverpool fans in Thailand to remain vigilant against online scams involving the impersonation of Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, a leading candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield in the upcoming summer.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) identified a viral message circulating online, falsely portraying Alonso’s Instagram account and requesting donations of 300 baht (approximately $8.50) to cover a supposed flight to Liverpool.
The deceptive message, written in Thai, claimed, “‘I will be in charge of Liverpool next season, but I need 300 baht for my flight to Liverpool.'”
Thai police clarified that the message was a fabrication, utilizing a manipulated version of Alonso’s official Instagram account to deceive fans. They emphasized that Alonso had not yet been appointed as Liverpool’s manager and urged supporters to exercise caution to avoid falling prey to the scam.
Xabi Alonso, a former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder, is a beloved figure at Anfield and is among the frontrunners to replace Klopp, who recently announced his departure at the end of the season.
Given Liverpool’s extensive fanbase in Thailand, the police’s warning is especially pertinent in online spaces, advising supporters to verify the authenticity of any messages claiming to be from Alonso or the club. This precautionary measure protects fans from potential scams and misinformation circulating online.