DANGEROUS internet pests are masquerading as Paisley-born Doctor Who actor David Tennant in a worldwide scam.

Jul 4 2006 Paisley Daily Express

The imposters have also set up a bogus David Tennant site on the web.

And yesterday, concerned bosses at the BBC, makers of the cult TV sci-fi show, confirmed that the corporation was concerned about the Tennant imposter.

A spokeswoman said: “We have a duty of care to all our artists and are concerned that anyone should be impersonating them.

“But we are also concerned that as Doctor Who attracts a lot of children they should know that David would never make comments in chatrooms.”

The spokeswoman added that the BBC was investigating the source of the imposters.

And she stressed that, so far, the BBC did not believe anything illegal had occurred.

The spokeswoman added that she had not heard if the imposters had behaved in a sexually improper manner while posing as the actor.

The Beeb has posted a warning on a legitimate David Tennant fan site – David-Tennant.com – warning the public to have nothing to do with the bogus site.

It says: “It has come to our attention that somebody has been masquerading as David Tennant via emails to fans and also by setting up a site.”

The notice adds: “The fake email is registered to a hotmail account, so if you have been corresponding with this person please be aware that they are not David, nor do they have any connection to him.”

The BBC spokeswoman went on: “David supports the statement we have put on the website. He’s as keen as we are that people should know that comments in chatrooms are not by him.”

The webmasters said: “There are also two websites hosted on the Bebo network, one for David and one for Billie Piper.

“Neither of these sites have anything to do with David or Billie so please don’t be fooled into thinking that you are chatting to them.”

They urged users not to accept MSN buddy requests from anybody unknown to them and never to give out any personal details over the net.

Young people are being urged by the organisers of David’s official site to be very careful to stay safe while using the net.

Youngsters can visit http://www.safekids.com/kidsrules.htm for tips.

David Tennant was unavailable for comment yesterday.