Spring Breakers star James Franco tried to seduce a Scottish teenager in a series of flirty Instagram messages before discovering she was only 17, it has been claimed.

The blonde teenager ran into the star in New York on a birthday trip with her mother, before posting a short video of their encounter. It appears the video, which shows Franco in a cap and glasses, caught the 127 Hours actor's attention as the pair begun to message.

In screen shots of the exchange posted online, which appear to be from Franco's verified account the 35-year-old asks her where she’s from, how long she’s in New York, who she’s with, where she’s staying, and whether or not she has a boyfriend.

It all got a bit exhausting.

The teen explains her trip to New York is a gift for her 18th birthday, which is in a few days.

He responds, “You’re 18?,” before asking for her phone number.

The romance continues: “You’re single? Where’s your hotel? Should I rent a room?"

When the schoolgirl demands that he prove he is the real deal, and he sends her an image of an immediately recognisable James waving.

And if you thought he was pushy before, he gets very demanding.

“Yes or no? Tomorrow or Thursday," he demands.

After the girl makes James’ take a picture of himself holding a piece of paper with her name on it, he seems to change his mind about the whole deal - after discovering the girl's 18th birthday is in MAY - not days away.

After this bizarre attempt at courtship went viral, James tweeted that he’s not into under-age girls and told parents to keep their teens away from him.

Cynics online claim this could be a publicity stunt for James' upcoming movie Palo Alto, which is based on his own collection of short stories and comes out on May 9.

Franco plays a soccer coach who seduces his 14-year-old baby sitter.

3am has contacted Franco's rep.

