Former First Lady Monica Geingos Warns Against Fraudsters Exploiting Her Identity
Monica Geingos, Namibia’s former First Lady, warns of fraudsters using her likeness in fake forex schemes. Numerous individuals have fallen victim, prompting her public appeal to report such scams. The issue highlights a wider trend of celebrity exploitation in online fraud, affecting people globally and requiring increased public vigilance against deceptive practices.
Monica Geingos, former First Lady of Namibia, has issued a video warning citizens about fraudsters exploiting her name and image to promote fraudulent foreign exchange schemes. This follows a surge in manipulated content on social media falsely depicting her advocating for these scams, with real people becoming victims, including a woman who lost her retirement savings. Mrs. Geingos emphasized that she has never solicited investments nor lent money, urging the public to report these deceptive accounts.
In her appeal, Mrs. Geingos noted that the frequency of fake profiles simulating her identity has escalated, affecting TikTok, Instagram, and X, where scammers use her likeness to deceive individuals. Recently, she revealed that someone received video calls from an impersonator encouraging investment in dubious forex ventures. Mavis Elias, Mrs. Geingos’ executive assistant, stated that many victims were influenced by what they saw online, leading to significant financial losses and rising concern over the scams’ proliferation.
Cybersecurity experts, including Craig Pedersen, have acknowledged that such scams pose a growing threat not only in Namibia but internationally, with indications that these schemes stem from South Africa. High-profile figures within Africa have also been targeted by similar fraud operations, which exploit their public personas to gain victims’ trust. He urged the public to critically analyze investment opportunities and be wary of endorsers, particularly celebrities, to prevent further monetary loss.
The article addresses the alarming rise of online scams involving manipulated images and voices of prominent figures, particularly in Africa. Monica Geingos’ warning underscores the vulnerability of individuals to these fraudulent activities, revealing how swindlers exploit the identities of well-known personalities to lure unsuspecting victims. As the problem worsens, there is a pressing need for public awareness and vigilance regarding investments and online communications, especially those claiming celebrity endorsements.
In conclusion, Monica Geingos has taken a stand against the pervasive problem of identity theft in online scams, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and caution. The manipulation of her likeness for fraudulent purposes serves as a broader warning about the growing trends of digital deception. Victims are encouraged to report such accounts, while citizens are reminded to scrutinize investment solicitations, particularly those involving well-known individuals.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
