5 sketchy Studio Ghibli scams to watch out for

If you thought only witches and wandering spirits haunted the world of Studio Ghibli, think again. In a plot twist straight out of a Miyazaki movie, the new viral trend Studio Ghibli's cybercriminals are now targeting fans of the beloved animation studio. Yes, Ghibli stans—your online innocence is under threat, and it is not from Yubaba.

Here are 5 totally sketchy Ghibli scams making waves online—and stealing more than just your love for soot sprites.

Fake Ghibli merch stores that ghost you after checkout

You saw that Spirited Away tote for Rs 799 and clicked “Buy Now” faster than Howl can vanish. But surprise—your money disappeared, and so did the store. Cybercrime officials are now warning against these fake e-shops selling Ghibli goodies that either never arrive or turn out to be as fake as Ponyo’s sea legs.

5 sketchy Studio Ghibli scams to watch out for | Credit: X

Phishing emails disguised as ‘official’ Ghibli announcements

That email promising an “exclusive Ghibli wallpaper pack” from the “official fan club”? Delete it. These are sneaky phishing attempts trying to bait fans into clicking malware-infested links. One click, and boom—your data is flying off like a Catbus on Red Bull.

Downloadable fan art laced with malware

We love a good Mononoke wallpaper, but cyber experts are side-eyeing fan art files loaded with malware. Apparently, these files can lock up your device or steal your juicy details. Think ransomware—but make it aesthetic.

Studio Ghibli pics | Credit: X

AI apps that farm your face

Uploading a Ghibli-style version of your face may be fun, but some AI filters are mining your biometric data on several apps like ChatGPT. The police have raised red flags around deepfake risks and identity theft from platforms collecting these facial features. TL;DR: Not everything needs to be anime-fied.

Ghibli art | Credit: X

Scam artist profiles posing as real Ghibli creators

Instagram pages claiming to be “official Ghibli illustrators” are sliding into DMs asking for personal info. The cybercrime squad has flagged these as total catfish profiles. Rule of thumb? If a Totoro-themed account asks for your phone number, run.

So, fandom peeps—stay safe and suss everything. Report suspicious activity at cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930. This is not just about cute merch anymore; it is your digital safety at stake.