Somizi Warns Fans About Scammers Using His Name and Photos: “I’d Never Ask You for Money”

• Scammers have targeted South African media personality Somizi Mhlongo by fraudulently using his likeness to swindle unsuspecting individuals
• In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, Somizi shared the method the scammers are using to target South Africans
• In the comments, several netizens explained how the scammers weren't after money, but something else entirely

Renowned choreographer and media personality Somizi Mhlongo has been the victim of a scam. He alerted her online community about individuals using his name and face to swindle unsuspecting people out of their hard-earned cash.

Taking to his social media, the choreographer, who celebrated after selling out his Shades of Pink event, distanced himself from Instagram accounts asking people for money.

In a post shared on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, Somizi set the record straight, saying that he would never ask netizens for donations or send them a private message if he didn’t know them outside of social media. The post was captioned:

“I’d never ask you for money nor send you a dm if I don’t know you personally.”

How scammers are targeting netizens using Somizi's name

As part of the post, Somizi shared two screenshots of a private message sent by individuals using his name and photo. In one picture, an account, somizimhlongo08, sent a message flattering a potential victim for being a loyal fan. They then asked the unsuspecting netizen to send them a message on WhatsApp. The message read:

“Hi! I've noticed your comments; you're such a big fan! Kindly send me a message on WhatsApp to win (+27745006089). I have something for you. I'm waiting for your message. Say Pay Me.”

Another screenshot showed a different Instagram account impersonating Somizi. The scammer used the same method of operation to lure their would-be victim. The message read:

“Hey! I'm SOMGAGA. Hit me up on WhatsApp and type 'Done’ — I've got a surprise package for you! WhatsApp +27…”

See the post below:

Netizens react after Somizi warns about scammers

In the comments, several netizens laughed off the scammers’ attempts, while some shared their experience. Others explained that the hackers weren’t after money, but wanted to hack WhatsApp accounts.

Here are some of the comments:

sihle_superb2 remarked:

“4 followers 😂😂😂😭😭😭😭”

artgraphy.studios said:

“Even the way they text is a red flag😂”

vusani65 highlighted:

“The worst part is some people will still fall for it and come for real Somizi later.”

mamzo_setona shared:

“I saw this yesterday. He thinks he is clever. I showed him that I am clever too. I replied in Sesotho and Zulu 😂😂😂”

che_bongi claimed:

“I got the same message after I had commented on one of your videos, then I knew it was a scam!”

artistic_pende explained:

“These are hackers; they don't want money, but the account to scam a big friend of yours.”

Other celebrities who have been victims of scams

Somizi isn't the only prominent South African celebrity whose likeness has been used to scam netizens out of their hard-earned money.

Briefly News reported that veteran actress Leleti Khumalo warned South Africans about individuals who were fraudulently using her brand to promote a drug.

Connie Ferguson was cloned in an AI-generated videos to promote a bogus investment.

Source: Briefly News