Warren Buffett Warns of Impersonators and Says He Won't Endorse Political Candidates or Investments Berkshire Hathaway posted a warning to its website about "numerous" impersonation attempts.

By Kelly Cloonan

Key Takeaways

  • Warren Buffett warned of impostors endorsing political candidates on social media.
  • Berkshire Hathaway responded to the impersonation attempts in a post on its website.
  • While Buffett said he does not "currently" endorse a candidate, he has supported some Democrats in the past.
Dan Brouillette/Bloomberg | Getty Images
An attendee holds a cardboard cutout of Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., inside the CHI Health Center during the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, US, on Saturday, May 4, 202

This article originally appeared on Business Insider.

Warren Buffett warned of impersonators on social media duping people into believing the investing legend endorsed a candidate for president.

Berkshire Hathaway responded to the impersonation attempts with a warning posted on its website. The statement said Buffett would never endorse political candidates or investment products.

"In light of the increased usage of social media, there have been numerous fraudulent claims regarding Mr. Buffett's endorsement of investment products as well as his endorsement and support of political candidates. Mr. Buffett does not currently and will not prospectively endorse investment products or endorse and support political candidates," the statement read.

The billionaire investor said the impersonation attempts are concerning.

"I'm worried about people impersonating me and that's why we put that on the Berkshire website," Buffett said in an interview with CNBC. "Nobody should believe anybody saying I'm telling them how to invest or how to vote."

Buffett's message, in light of the attempts to impersonate him, makes the distinction that he does not "currently" endorse a candidate.

The billionaire investor has shown support for Democratic presidential candidates in the past, including former President Barack Obama and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

For his part, Buffett said he doesn't even know how to use Instagram.

"I don't even know how to get on Instagram," Buffett told CNBC in a Wednesday interview, adding, "Anything they see with my image or my voice, it just ain't me."

Buffett's warning comes amid a close presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, and as several high-profile investors and business leaders have jumped in to voice their preference.

Billionaires Bill Ackman and Elon Musk have pledged support for Trump, while Mark Cuban has shown outspoken support for Harris. Bill Gates, who has historically been quiet when it comes to politics, donated $50 million to a nonprofit that supports Harris's candidacy, according to a Tuesday report from the New York Times.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Leadership

The Core Traits of Effective Leaders — Here's What Every Manager Should Strive For

A team is only as great as its leader. Discover the core traits of effective leaders that you should be striving for.

Franchise

This Travel Franchise Turns Your Passion for Vacations Into a Money-Making Opportunity

Whether you're working from home, traveling or connecting with clients at their convenience, this franchise adapts to your lifestyle.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Here's What 8 CEOs Made in 2024, From JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon to Disney's Bob Iger

CEO pay is on the rise, with some making tens of millions more in 2024 than they did in 2023.

Marketing

This SEO Secret Weapon Is Just $69 for Life

Affordable, actionable search engine optimization insights for businesses of all sizes.