Katlego Maboe warns the public that he has no connection to the fake scheme.
Image: Instagram
South African TV presenter and singer-songwriter Katlego Maboe has issued an urgent warning after discovering a deepfake video using his face to lure unsuspecting victims into a fake investment scheme.
The convincing video, which has been circulating on social media as a sponsored advert, falsely shows Maboe endorsing an investment opportunity run by someone introduced as his “old friend” Nomvula Mbatha.
In the clip, the manipulated version of Maboe claims he invested R1,000 and saw shocking returns almost immediately, allegedly reaching R55,000 on the very first day and ballooning to R300,000 within four days.
But Maboe says the video is entirely fake.
Taking to Facebook, he made it clear that he has no connection to the scheme and urged the public not to fall for it.
“A deepfake AI video using my face is currently circulating on social media as a sponsored ad. This is NOT me. This is a SCAM,” he wrote.
He went on to emphasise the seriousness of the situation, warning followers not to engage with the video or share personal information.
“I did NOT create this video. I am NOT affiliated with any product or service being advertised. This is AI-generated fraud using my likeness without permission. DO NOT click on any links in these videos. DO NOT share your personal or financial information.”
Katlego Maboe alerts the public.
Image: Facebook screenshot
Maboe also reassured his supporters that he would never solicit money or promote questionable schemes online.
“To my family, friends, and followers: I will NEVER ask you for money, personal information, or promote financial schemes through random sponsored videos. If something seems off, it probably is.”
His warning comes as deepfake scams become increasingly sophisticated, using artificial intelligence to manipulate videos so convincingly that they appear real.
Influencer Kelly KiKx also alerted her followers after seeing the video, urging people to report it immediately.
“My friend Katlego Maboe image is being used to scam people out of their hard earned money, please do not fall for this!! Share this far and wide and report this account,” she wrote on Instagram, adding tips to help people recognise AI-generated content.
The scam highlights a growing and worrying trend.
Criminals are increasingly hijacking the identities of celebrities, influencers and public figures to gain trust and exploit their audiences.
By using familiar faces, scammers create a false sense of legitimacy, making it easier to convince victims to part with their money.
This is far from an isolated incident.
Music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka previously warned fans after discovering a fake TikTok account using her name and foundation to solicit donations.
She cautioned supporters after learning that people had already sent money and were even being encouraged to invest in Bitcoin.
Similarly, the Miss South Africa Organisation was forced to intervene when fraudulent posts claimed to raise funds for finalist Luyanda Zuma.
The organisation issued a firm statement urging the public not to donate or engage, making it clear the fundraising effort was a scam.
Respected news anchor Leanne Manas also fell victim to identity theft when scammers used deepfake videos of her likeness to promote bogus trading platforms, with some victims reportedly losing their life savings.
These scams often rely on deepfake technology, which uses advanced artificial intelligence to manipulate video, audio and images. The result is content that appears authentic, even to careful viewers.
Fake celebrity endorsements have become one of the most effective tactics, with scammers exploiting public trust in well-known personalities.
In other cases, criminals hack verified social media accounts or create near-identical profiles, then ask followers for donations, investments or personal information.
What makes the latest wave of scams particularly dangerous is how believable they have become.
The technology can replicate facial expressions, voice patterns, and mannerisms with chilling accuracy, making it difficult to distinguish the real from the fake.
Maboe’s decision to speak out is not just about protecting his own reputation, but also about preventing others from becoming victims.