A MAN tricked gullible tourists into believing he's famous simply by hiring fake bodyguards and paparazzi as part of a social experiment.

New York resident Brett Cohen created the fake scene in Times Square and fooled tourists and locals alike into actually thinking he is a celebrity.

The 21-year-old said he had always wondered what it was like to be famous, so hired a film crew, security guards and assistants to follow him around the popular tourist site.

Mr Cohen and his entourage emerged out of NBC's famed 30 Rock studios, stopping to pose with tourists for photographs.

He was so convincing, some in the crowd swore they had heard of him – and his non-existent single. Or his "movie".

One tourist said: “Yea I know Brett Cohen!” while another screamed “I love Brett Cohen”.

When questioned if he had heard of his music single, one man said: “I’ve heard his single, I can’t remember what it’s called but it’s great,” while another said: “He’s got a great future in the movie business.”

Originally published as Don't you know who I am? I'm famous, really