Katlego Sekhu
Connie Ferguson has sounded the alarm on a disturbing new scam after falling victim to a catfishing attempt involving AI-generated video calls and impersonation.
In a series of Instagram slides titled “Time for a short story…”, Ferguson detailed how she received a WhatsApp message and a missed video call from someone pretending to be herself.
“Slide 1: I get a WhatsApp message and a missed video call from a ‘Connie Ferguson,’” she wrote, explaining that when she checked the number on Truecaller, it was registered under the name Madonsela.
The situation took an even stranger turn when the imposter attempted another video call.
Thinking quickly, Ferguson used a second phone to record the call discreetly, choosing not to show her face in case the scammer hung up too quickly.
The brief clip revealed that the impersonator had used an old video from one of Ferguson’s live workout sessions, originally posted during the Covid-19 lockdown on her @iconniecfit fitness page.
“After a few seconds, they dropped the call and texted, ‘You saw me, right?’” she recalled in disbelief.
The actress and businesswoman made it clear to her followers that she does not offer investment opportunities of any kind and urged them to stay vigilant.
“Scammers are now using AI to convince you they are whoever they claim to be,” she warned. “Do not easily part with the money you’ve worked so hard for!”
Ferguson also highlighted a key red flag often overlooked in such scams: why scammers always insist on calling you, yet are never contactable themselves.
“Don’t be manipulated into losing your common sense just because times are tough,” she said. “Again, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!”
In light of Connie’s unfortunate incident, the Siz the World team asked listeners to share scams they’ve encountered recently.
To hear the full discussion, listen to the podcast.
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