Business
Katlego Maboe speaks out after AI deepfake investment scam targets his fans
For many South Africans, Katlego Maboe is a familiar and trusted face. From television screens to music stages, he has built a reputation on authenticity and warmth. That is exactly why scammers chose him.
This week, Maboe issued an urgent public warning after discovering that his face and voice had been digitally manipulated in a fake investment advert circulating on social media.
And it looks disturbingly real.
The video that fooled people
The sponsored advert, now making its rounds online, appears to show Maboe enthusiastically endorsing an investment opportunity. In the clip, he claims to have invested R1,000 and watched it grow to R55,000 in a single day. According to the fabricated story, the amount allegedly ballooned to R300,000 within four days.
The scheme is presented as being run by someone introduced as his “old friend” Nomvula Mbatha.
Except none of it is true.
The video is a deepfake. Maboe did not record it. He has no link to the investment platform being promoted.
Taking to Facebook, he set the record straight in no uncertain terms. He told followers the video is AI-generated fraud using his likeness without permission. He urged people not to click on any links or share personal or financial details.
He also reassured supporters that he would never randomly promote financial schemes through sponsored posts or ask for money online. If something feels suspicious, he warned, it probably is.
A worrying trend in South Africa
Maboe’s case is not isolated. Across South Africa, criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to hijack the identities of public figures.
Music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka previously alerted fans after a fake TikTok account used her name and foundation to solicit donations. Some people reportedly sent money and were even encouraged to invest in Bitcoin.
The Miss South Africa Organisation also had to step in when fraudulent posts claimed to raise funds for finalist Luyanda Zuma. The organisation made it clear that the fundraising effort was fake.
Respected news anchor Leanne Manas was similarly targeted, with deepfake videos promoting bogus trading platforms. In some cases, victims reportedly lost their life savings.
What makes these scams particularly dangerous is how convincing they have become. Modern AI tools can replicate facial expressions, voice tones, and even subtle mannerisms with chilling precision. For the average social media user scrolling quickly through sponsored content, the deception is easy to miss.
Image 1: IOL
Why celebrity faces are powerful bait
South Africans tend to trust familiar personalities. When a well-known presenter appears to recommend a product, it carries weight. Scammers understand this psychology.
By attaching a trusted face to an investment pitch, they create instant credibility. The promise of dramatic overnight returns only sweetens the trap.
Social media users have already begun sharing warnings following Maboe’s statement. Influencer Kelly KiKx also urged followers to report the advert and not to engage with it. The online reaction has largely been one of anger, but also concern at how believable the video appears.
@iolnews Katlego Maboe has warned that a deepfake AI video using his face is circulating on social media as a sponsored ad, stressing: “This is NOT me. This is a SCAM.” 📷: Screen recording #KatlegoMaboe #deepfake #AI #video #socialmedia ♬ original sound – IOL NEWS
How to protect yourself
Deepfake scams thrive on urgency and excitement. Huge returns in a matter of days should immediately raise red flags. So should sponsored adverts featuring celebrities promoting unfamiliar financial platforms.
Maboe’s decision to speak out quickly may have prevented serious financial harm. His message was simple: do not click suspicious links, do not share your information, and do not assume that every polished video is real.
In an era where artificial intelligence can convincingly rewrite reality, vigilance is no longer optional. It is essential.
For now, Maboe’s reputation remains intact. But his warning serves as a stark reminder that in 2026, seeing is no longer believing.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
