Selena Gomez may have ignited fresh confusion online by allegedly sharing a phone number on her Instagram Stories, accusing the owner of impersonating her former Wizards of Waverly Place co-star Jake T. Austin in a possible scam.
Selena Gomez via Instagram Stories:
“+1 (856) 630-2765 IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ME AND MY LOVE FOR MY FRIENDS…. ENJOY THAT PERSONS NUMBER. WHEN JAKE T AUSTIN IS IN TROUBLE. I NEED TO HEAR FROM HIM AND HIM ONLY.” pic.twitter.com/giKkYlbQkb
The impersonator allegedly exploited Gomez’s concern for friends in distress, a clear attempt at blackmail or scam. The story was either removed or disappeared after the 24-hour window, but numerous reliable posts on X suggest the phone number +1 (856) 630-2765 was publicly exposed to warn fans.
Fans on X reacted with a cocktail of outrage over the invasion of privacy, highlighting the persistent menace of catfishing targeting celebrities. Neither Austin nor the authorities have officially responded yet, leaving the report open-ended and tense. Here are a few fans’ comments:
Did someone message her saying it was Jake and she leaked the number when she found out it wasn't?
400M+ followers btw 😆whoever number that is, is fucked
lmao the number disconnected when I tried it, they're probably gonna have to get a new one before the end of today 💀
this got more plot twists than an episode of Wizards of Waverly Place lol selena dropping lore like we’re supposed to know the side quests 💀
impersonating jake t austin is crazy 😭 that’s like the famous person version of the “it’s your aunt, send cash” text scams in latinoamérica
The Disney series, which aired from 2007 to 2012, not only catapulted Gomez to stardom but also introduced Jake T. Austin as Max Russo, her on-screen brother. This real-life connection was reportedly preyed upon by scammers amid the hype surrounding the show’s sequel, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
Are Jake T. Austin and Selena Gomez Still Friends After Wizards of Waverly Place?
The names Selena Gomez and Jake T. Austin are forever entwined with the Disney hit Wizards of Waverly Place, where they played siblings. Yet, as the years roll by, the question lingers: are these childhood co-stars still close friends?
Gomez, undoubtedly the most high-profile star to emerge from the series, has had a rich career spanning music, acting, and advocacy. Since the show wrapped, the cast has scattered, with fewer reunions and less frequent contact. Jake T. Austin revealed in a 2019 Us Weekly interview that the last time he saw Gomez was at co-star David Henrie’s wedding in 2017. Despite this, Austin expressed enduring respect and affection, saying:
She’s like an older sibling to me. I really respect her. I have worked with her for so many years, and I know how talented and wonderful she is as a person. Hopefully, it’s someone that makes her happy and compliments her in every way. She has great qualities.
Gomez herself acknowledged in 2023 during a chat on Wizards of Waverly Pod that she felt “ashamed” about not maintaining contact with former castmates (per THR). To quote her:
I felt ashamed of the decisions that I made. I didn’t want you guys to see me in the state that I was in because a, you would have told me the truth which terrifies me, and b, I didn’t want to let you down.
Here’s a table summarizing Jake T. Austin’s key roles so far:
The relationship between Gomez and Austin might not be one of daily calls and hangouts, but their mutual respect and fond memories seem to withstand the test of time.
Where Is Jake T. Austin Now? David Henrie on His Return to Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
As Wizards Beyond Waverly Place continues to air, fans are left wondering about the whereabouts of Max Russo, Jake T. Austin’s iconic character, who notably did not appear in the sequel. David Henrie, reprising his role as Justin Russo and serving as an executive producer, recently addressed the burning question of whether Jake will return.
During an interview on the Zach Sang Show, Henrie explained:
The show ended and everyone kind of went their separate ways… We’d all get together every so often.
He acknowledged Austin’s Instagram clearing but expressed hope and desire to bring him back:
I want him back on the show. I’d love to get him back on the show! I’ve let him know we want it to happen, and I think next season if, you know, we continue, if that continues to work out well, hell yeah, we’d get him back on. That’s the hope. I’d love to get him back on next season.
The reboot reveals Max’s success outside of magic, having franchised the family sandwich shop into a billion-dollar empire and living on a houseboat in Long Island Sound. This off-screen success story leaves room for a dynamic return.
Henrie also shared attempts to bring back other fan-favorites, such as Octavia Spencer’s Dr. Evilini, which fell through due to scheduling.
Although Disney has not officially renewed the show for Season 3, insiders hint at bigger mysteries and character returns, keeping the magic alive. Meanwhile, Jake T. Austin’s absence from Wizards Beyond Waverly Place leaves fans hungry for closure and, hopefully, a reunion.
Will Jake T. Austin step back into the Russo family’s magical world, or will this sibling rivalry remain a missing chapter? Spill your thoughts; don’t let this story vanish like an Instagram Story!
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is currently streaming on Disney+.
