metallic. Courtesy image.

LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — Thrash Metal icons Metallica have issued a warning to fans after a Kansas fan was allegedly tricked into sending $25,000 in Bitcoin to an unknown recipient. According to KMAN, the 51-year-old fan from Manhattan, Kansas was duped into sending the digital currency by a fraudster who posted a fake video on a YouTube channel claiming to be linked to Metallica.

In the current world of news and social media, Metallica took the unusual step to warn fans about the potential for cryptocurrency scams.

“In the wake of last week’s exciting news of our new song, new album, and new tour, unfortunately the ugly side of social media made an appearance. Many of you have let us know about YouTube channels and live streams, as well as websites, claiming to offer Metallica Crypto giveaways in conjunction with last week’s announcement.”

“Let’s be as clear as possible. These are scams. They’re being streamed on fake YouTube channels posing to be ours and all pointing to websites that we do not run. Please remember — all of our official social media channels are verified. Always look for official verification before believing something wild and crazy to be true. We thank all of you who have been vigilant in reporting these live streams to YouTube and to us… please don’t stop!”