NAMIBIA’S former First Lady, Monica Geingos, has issued a public warning about fraudsters using her name and image to trick unsuspecting citizens into investing in bogus forex schemes. In a video message reported by the BBC, Geingos cautioned the public to remain vigilant, revealing that the problem has worsened significantly in recent months.
Fake accounts flood social media
Fraudulent TikTok, Instagram, and X accounts have surfaced, impersonating Geingos by using her photos and slightly altered usernames. These accounts lure victims with manipulated videos of Geingos, featuring her genuine footage but dubbed with a fake voice urging investments.
‘Recently, someone received a video call supposedly from me, convincing them to invest in a forex scheme,’ Geingos said in her message. ‘I’m not on social media asking for money, loans, or investments. These are fake accounts.’
Geingos encouraged the public to report any suspicious profiles and avoid engaging with them.
Mounting victims and financial losses
Mavis Elias, Geingos’ executive assistant, revealed that many victims have lost substantial amounts, including one woman’s retirement savings. Elias told the BBC, ‘The scale of this scam has worsened over the past few months, and it’s heartbreaking to see more people losing their hard-earned money.’
A widespread threat
Cyber-security expert Craig Pedersen of TCGForensics highlighted that such scams are not isolated to Namibia but have become a global issue. He noted that celebrities, including South African figures like Johann Rupert and President Cyril Ramaphosa, have also been targeted by similar schemes.
‘Scammers use well-known personalities to build trust and reduce scrutiny from victims,’ Pedersen explained.
A call for vigilance
Dr Thembekile Olivia Mayayise, a South African academic, echoed the call for caution, urging individuals to question any investment opportunities linked to celebrities. ‘Consumers must become more sceptical of celebrity endorsements, especially regarding financial matters,’ she said.
Geingos’ video appeal comes after nearly two years of her team fighting these scams behind the scenes. However, the rise in fake accounts and the increasing number of victims prompted her to take her warning public.
Namibians and others affected by these scams are advised to report fraudulent activities to relevant authorities and avoid any interaction with suspicious profiles. As Geingos stressed, ‘Don’t communicate with these fake accounts; report them immediately.’
This alarming situation underscores the need for heightened digital vigilance as scammers exploit high-profile figures to prey on unsuspecting individuals.
