Long-running Australian soap Home and Away has been forced to address a growing problem off‑screen after a wave of fake fan pages and misleading “article sites” began circulating alarming claims about the show’s cast across social media.

The unauthorised pages, which present themselves as entertainment news outlets or insider fan accounts, have reportedly shared false and sensational stories including claims that actors have died, been diagnosed with serious illnesses, or secretly married. None of these claims are true, and the broadcaster has stressed that the content should not be trusted.

Australia’s Seven Network, which airs Home and Away locally, confirmed that it is aware of the issue and has taken steps to respond. In a statement, a spokesperson said the network has reported the pages and urged viewers to remain vigilant.

“These unauthorised pages have been reported,” the spokesperson said. “We encourage fans to engage only with verified accounts for the show and cast members.”

Beyond spreading misinformation, the pages are believed to be potentially dangerous. Many reportedly redirect users to unsafe external websites that may be designed to phish personal information, raising serious concerns about online security and identity theft. Fans are being warned not to click on suspicious links, no matter how convincing the headlines or images may appear.

Home and Away is not alone in facing this issue. British soaps have encountered similar problems in recent years, prompting major broadcasters to issue public warnings. ITV previously cautioned viewers that actors from Coronation Street and Emmerdale were being impersonated by scammers on multiple social media platforms.

“No cast member will ever directly request money for messages, meetings or any kind of personal interaction on social media,” an ITV spokesperson warned.

The rise of AI and deepfake technology has made these scams increasingly convincing. Some fake pages have used manipulated videos that appear to show actors inviting fans to unofficial meet‑and‑greets, set tours, or paid fan experiences. Broadcasters have stressed that these offers are fraudulent and should be reported immediately.

The BBC issued a similar warning last year regarding EastEnders, stating that no cast member would ever contact fans to ask for money for meetings, messages, set visits, or any interaction of that kind. Fans were urged to report suspicious messages directly to the relevant social media platforms.

Despite the off‑screen controversy, Home and Away continues to thrive on screen, delivering dramatic storylines and emotional twists for its loyal audience. In the UK, new episodes are released on weekdays at 6am via Channel 5’s streaming service, followed by a 6.30pm broadcast on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are also available through Prime Video.

As misinformation becomes easier to spread and harder to detect, this latest incident serves as a reminder that online caution is essential, even for dedicated fans simply trying to stay connected to their favourite shows.