Monica Geingos, Namibia’s former First Lady, has warned of fraudsters misusing her identity to deceive citizens into investing in fake foreign exchange schemes. Manipulated videos and social media accounts impersonate her, leading to victims losing substantial amounts of money. The situation has worsened, prompting Geingos to make a personal appeal for awareness and caution regarding these scams.
Monica Geingos, Namibia’s former First Lady, has issued a video warning about fraudsters misusing her identity to deceive citizens. Manipulated footage has emerged on social media, falsely portraying her as an advocate for investments in foreign exchange schemes. Her spokesperson reported that many individuals have fallen victim, including a woman who lost her retirement savings. While Geingos and her team have been addressing this issue for nearly two years, the frequency of these fraudulent messages has intensified recently.
In her recent video, Ms. Geingos stated that the persistence of these scams has reached alarming levels, necessitating her personal appeal for awareness. Numerous social media accounts mimic her identity on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, utilizing similar names and images. Victims have even reported receiving calls purportedly from her, urging investment in dubious forex schemes, which she outright denies.
Fraudulent videos have exploited authentic footage of Geingos, employing voice distortions that imitate her. It is crucial that the public refrains from engaging with these fake accounts and instead reports them. Ms. Geingos’s executive assistant, Mavis Elias, highlighted the increasing number of complaints from victims, stressing that the financial impact is severe for many, leading to significant losses.
The issue of identity fraud is a growing concern across Africa and beyond, with cybersecurity expert Craig Pedersen confirming that these scams are spreading globally. Prominent figures such as businessmen Johann Rupert and Patrice Motsepe in South Africa have also been targeted similarly. Utilizing celebrity likenesses in fraud schemes instills unwarranted trust in prospective victims, thus amplifying the scam’s effectiveness.
Experts emphasize the need for individuals to exhibit heightened skepticism toward celebrity endorsements, particularly regarding investment propositions. As fraudulent activities continue to proliferate, consumers must become more discerning and cautious with their financial engagements. A call to action is necessary to foster an environment that protects against such deceitful practices.
The rise of identity fraud, particularly through social media, poses a distinct threat to individuals, particularly public figures. Scammers often exploit the likeness of well-known personalities to build a façade of credibility, enticing vulnerable individuals into financial schemes under false pretenses. This issue has drawn attention from cybersecurity experts, indicating a widespread problem that transcends national boundaries and affects numerous victims.
In conclusion, Monica Geingos’s warning about identity fraud highlights a pressing issue affecting many individuals and public figures. The misuse of her likeness in fraudulent schemes calls for heightened public awareness and accountability. As these scams increasingly infiltrate social media, it is imperative for citizens to exercise caution and skepticism, especially concerning investment opportunities promoted by celebrity figures.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
