Speedy swindled by scammers pretending to be Durban boss
"Other artists have been getting hit" - Rapper Speedy says scammers are targetting musicians in their latest con.
It seems scammers are trying new tricks to swindle unsuspecting celebrities out of their money. Rapper Speedy is the latest star to get duped.
The 'Le' Ngoma' musician took to Instagram to warn other artists about how the scam operates. He says he was contacted by a man claiming to be the owner of the popular Durban establishment, Max's Lifestyle.
"Someone will call you claiming they are from Max's Lifestyle... They will ask you or your manager how much you charge. Then send you a fake proof of payment with a little extra than what you charge," he wrote.
The scammer then asked him to return the extra money to an agent.
But the reality of the situation is that the proof of payment is fake and not a single cent of the money owed to Speedy for the gig was paid.
"... the money they claimed to pay you hasn't cleared. Myself and Spikiri were victims of the scam a few days ago. And now other artists have been getting hit."
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DJ Dino Bravo revealed that scammers tried their luck with him as well.
"They tried that with me already and failed miserably. But it’s sad that they are targeting artists. We’ve been struggling since this lockdown was implemented. The industry has barely open and here are some scammers trying to take the bread out of our families Mouths. Not cool," he commented.
Lannie Billion says he was also a victim.
"I also felt for it too and twice. This is the message the guy sent... Greetings Lannie Billion: Kindly revert back to me in your convient time. Regards Max Mqadi, Max Lifestyle (DBN)... And the number he uses ends with 3001," he wrote.
Actress Jessica Nkosi was also caught in the middle of an elaborate con. Scammers pretending to be 'The Queen' star approached several people online about investing in Bitcoin.
One of the victims, according to News24, is Prince Mthunzi Ngonyama. The scammer convinced Ngonyama - who is a spokesperson for AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo - to invest R15,000.
Jessica released a statement on Wednesday distancing herself from the cyrptocurrency scam.
"It has come to our attention that a number of social media accounts purporting to be that of Jessica Nkosi have taken to misleading, defrauding and misrepresenting themselves to innocent members of the public. Miss Nkosi is neither involved in nor advertising Bitcoin or any form of cryptocurrency,” a statement from her team read.
Last month, 'Idols SA' judge Somizi revealed that he suspected that his WhatsApp number had been hacked. He urged his friends and family not to respond if anyone asks them to send money.
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Main image credit: Instagram/@speedythegift