Connie Ferguson Warns Fans About AI Scam After Impersonator’s Video Call Attempt
South African actress and businesswoman Connie Ferguson has issued a stern warning to the public after falling victim to a sophisticated catfishing attempt involving artificial intelligence and video impersonation.
Impersonator Contacts Ferguson Pretending to Be Her
In a series of Instagram slides titled “Time for a short story…”, Ferguson shared the unsettling experience.
She described receiving a WhatsApp message and a missed video call from someone claiming to be “Connie Ferguson.”
“Slide 1: I get a WhatsApp message and a missed video call from a ‘Connie Ferguson,’” she wrote.
When she checked the number on Truecaller, it was registered under the name Madonsela.
The scammer soon tried calling again, escalating the situation.
Old Fitness Video Used to Fool Victims
Thinking quickly, Ferguson used a second phone to secretly record the call. She deliberately avoided showing her face on the screen to prevent the scammer from disconnecting immediately.
In the brief recording, the imposter appeared to use an old video from one of Ferguson’s live workout sessions originally streamed during the Covid-19 lockdown on her @iconniecfit Instagram page.
“After a few seconds, they dropped the call and texted, ‘You saw me, right?’” she recalled, expressing her disbelief at the brazen tactic.
No Investment Offers: Ferguson Sets the Record Straight
Ferguson emphasized that she does not offer any investment opportunities and urged her followers to be extremely cautious when approached by strangers online.
“Scammers are now using AI to convince you they are whoever they claim to be. Do not easily part with the money you’ve worked so hard for!,” she warned.
She also pointed out a common red flag that many victims overlook: scammers often insist on calling you, yet they remain unreachable themselves.
A Call for Vigilance
In closing, Ferguson advised people not to let desperation cloud their judgment.
“Don’t be manipulated into losing your common sense just because times are tough. Again, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!,” she said.
Her experience has sparked discussions about the growing threat of AI-powered scams and the need for heightened awareness online.