Somizi Claps Back at Scammers for Impersonating him. Image: Somizi shared via Instagram @Somizi.
(The Post News)- Online scammers are once again targeting unsuspecting fans, this time by impersonating one of South Africa’s most well-known celebrities, Somizi Mhlongo.
Media personality and reality TV star, Somizi, has raised the alarm about fraudsters misusing his name and image to deceive people into giving away their money.
Somizi Warns Fans and Followers
Taking to social media, Somizi urged his followers to remain vigilant and not fall for the traps set by these impersonators. In a strongly worded post, Somizi clarified, “I’d never ask you for money or send you a DM if I don’t know you personally.” His message was a direct response to reports of fake Instagram accounts pretending to be him.
To illustrate the scam, Somizi shared screenshots of two fraudulent Instagram profiles that had replicated his official username and profile picture. These fake accounts attempted to lure users by claiming to offer a “surprise package” or an exclusive “win,” but only if the victim contacted a WhatsApp number provided in the message or sent a direct message to the account.
One of the scam messages read, “Hi! I’ve noticed your comments; you’re such a big fan! Kindly send me a message on WhatsApp to win. I have something for you. I’m waiting for your message. Say, “Pay me.”
These messages, written in broken English and with a suspicious tone, aim to create a false sense of urgency and excitement, tricking fans into believing they’ve won something special from their favorite celebrity.
While Somizi shared only two examples, he implied that these were just the tip of the iceberg. “These are just some of the fake accounts out there,” he noted, emphasizing that many more fraudulent profiles likely exist, using his name and image to scam people out of their hard-earned money.
Somizi also reminded his followers to report any suspicious accounts impersonating him. He encouraged fans to verify any direct messages or interactions by cross-checking with his official, verified social media accounts. “Please be careful and don’t fall for these tricks. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he said.
Unfortunately, Somizi is not the only public figure who has become a target of such scams. Several South African celebrities have experienced similar fraudulent schemes over the years. Actress and businesswoman Connie Ferguson also previously spoke out after scammers used her name and image in an attempt to defraud her followers. She, too, issued a public warning urging fans to be cautious and to avoid sending money or personal information to suspicious individuals.
As social media continues to grow as a primary means of communication and engagement between celebrities and their fans, scammers have taken advantage of the trust fans place in their favorite stars. These impersonators often prey on people’s admiration and hope for personal interaction, offering fake giveaways, investments, or emotional appeals to gain trust and financial information.
Cybersecurity experts advise social media users to remain skeptical of unsolicited messages, especially those asking for money or personal contact details. Always check for account verification badges, analyze the tone and grammar of messages, and never hesitate to report or block suspicious accounts.
Somizi’s case serves as another reminder of how important it is to stay alert and informed in the digital age. By speaking out, he joins a growing number of celebrities using their platforms to protect their followers and raise awareness about online scams.
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