Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Fraudster Impersonates Sammy Hagar, Confuses Police Reports

10/25/2025

50 7

Summary

Story summary

Sammy Hagar, rock legend, said Ronnie Putnam, 58, impersonated him to commit fraud.
Putnam allegedly opened accounts under 'Sammy Hagar Enterprises, LLC' and performed an acapella version of 'I Can’t Drive 55' to prove his identity.
Mount Vernon Police later said no such individual was in custody, contradicting earlier arrest reports.
Hagar commented that verifying information in the age of AI and digital manipulation is challenging.

1 of 1

Story summary

Sammy Hagar, rock legend, said Ronnie Putnam, 58, impersonated him to commit fraud.
Putnam allegedly opened accounts under 'Sammy Hagar Enterprises, LLC' and performed an acapella version of 'I Can’t Drive 55' to prove his identity.
Mount Vernon Police later said no such individual was in custody, contradicting earlier arrest reports.
Hagar commented that verifying information in the age of AI and digital manipulation is challenging.