- South African TV host Katlego Maboe has issued a strong warning to the public regarding a viral deepfake video promoting investment scams.
- Maboe clarified that he is not associated with the fraudulent activities and urged individuals to exercise caution.
- The doctored video, utilising an AI-generated likeness of Maboe, has been circulating on social media as a sponsored advertisement.
- Maboe stressed that he would never solicit money or personal information through such unsolicited videos.
Popular South African television personality, Katlego Maboe, has taken to social media to alert his followers and the wider public about a pervasive investment scam. The scam involves a deepfake video that uses Maboe’s image and voice, generated by artificial intelligence two years ago, to promote illicit financial schemes. This incident highlights the growing threat of deepfake technology in perpetrating online fraud and the ease with which such deceptive content can go viral.
Maboe’s warning comes as he joins a growing list of celebrities whose likenesses have been exploited for similar fraudulent purposes in South Africa, including Connie Ferguson. He has explicitly advised the public not to click on any links embedded in these videos, nor to share any personal or financial information. His proactive stance aims to safeguard his fans and prevent them from falling victim to these sophisticated digital scams.
Timeline
- **March 3, 2026:** Katlego Maboe issues a public warning on social media regarding a viral deepfake video promoting investment scams.
- **March 3, 2026:** Maboe clarifies that a two-year-old AI video using his face is circulating as a sponsored ad, but it is a scam.
- **March 3, 2026:** Maboe urges the public to report such fraudulent videos and refrain from engaging with them.
Key Players
- **Katlego Maboe:** Renowned South African TV host affected by the deepfake scam.
- **Scammers:** Unidentified individuals or groups behind the viral deepfake investment scam.
- **Social Media Platforms:** Platforms where the doctored videos are circulating as sponsored advertisements.
