Former First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, has taken to video to alert the public about a surge in scams exploiting her identity. These fraudulent activities involve manipulated videos where she appears to endorse dubious foreign exchange (forex) investment opportunities, leading to significant financial losses for unsuspecting individuals.
For nearly two years, the issue of cyber fraud using Mrs. Geingos’ likeness has been escalating, with the situation deteriorating notably in recent months. This prompted her to personally address the public in a video released on Thursday. In this message, Mrs. Geingos, who is also a lawyer and businesswoman, emphasized that she is not involved in any forex schemes nor does she engage in soliciting investments or loans via social media platforms.
The scams are particularly rampant on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, where accounts mimic her profile with slight alterations to her name and using her images. These fake accounts have been contacting individuals directly, often through video calls that appear to feature Geingos herself, urging them to invest in fraudulent schemes.
One distressing example includes a woman who lost her entire retirement savings due to these deceptive practices. Mavis Elias, Mrs. Geingos’ executive assistant, highlighted the vulnerability of those who fall prey to what they see online, noting the overwhelming number of complaints received by their office.
Cybersecurity expert Craig Pedersen from TCGForensics in South Africa notes that these scams are not confined to Namibia but are a growing menace across Africa and globally. Initially thought to be primarily operated from South Africa, these frauds now show signs of international coordination.
Monica Geingos joins a list of prominent figures whose images and voices have been manipulated for scams, including South African tycoons Johann Rupert and Patrice Motsepe, as well as President Cyril Ramaphosa. These impersonations are designed to instill a false sense of trust, making victims less likely to question the legitimacy of the offers.
Dr. Thembekile Olivia Mayayise from Wits University in South Africa adds that the use of celebrity likenesses in scams is a common tactic to deceive people. She advises the public to be skeptical of investment opportunities promoted by celebrities, particularly unsolicited messages.
Key Takeaways for Protecting Yourself:
- Be Wary of Celebrity Endorsements: Always verify the source when celebrities promote investment opportunities, especially if it’s through social media or unsolicited contacts.
- Check for Authenticity: Look for signs that accounts or messages might be fake. This includes slight misspellings in names or handles, requests for immediate financial commitments, or poor quality video and audio.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter or fall victim to such scams, report it to the platform and local authorities to help track down these fraudsters.
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