Zim Influencers in hot water over fake adverts

Trust Khosa

Zimpapers Arts and  Entertainment Hub

Three prominent content creators –Tarisai “Madam Boss” Chikocho, Royal Mint and Bridget “Mabrijo” Marufu – have been compelled to issue public apologies after it was revealed that they were each contracted to run fake advertisements by scammers.

This decision has divided opinion among the public, particularly as numerous companies and individuals have been utilising these influencers to market their businesses.

Their popularity on social media has enabled them to overshadow some of the most well-known and reputable marketing agencies in Zimbabwe.

However, scammers seem to have exploited their influence by using these creators to promote fraudulent offers.

Madam Boss has since issued an apology after finding herself ensnared in this web of deceit, as her reputation is now at stake. In an official press statement dated November 25, Madam Boss apologised for doing business with a local company.

“I, Madam Boss, would like to issue this official statement to address concerns and apologize to the public/my fans regarding my endorsement of a company (Diamond Migration) owned by Vecco Lupa that claimed to offer immigration and overseas employment services.

“Firstly, I sincerely apologise to anyone who may have been misled, inconvenienced, or financially affected after seeing the advert or promotion associated with my brand. My intention has always been to inspire, uplift, and create opportunities – never to cause harm or false hope.

“After further investigation, it has come to my attention that the company in question is not legally registered, not accredited, and does not possess the official authority to facilitate immigration or overseas employment. I was also misled, and I deeply regret associating my name with their services.

“I would like to categorically and officially disassociate myself from this company, its operations, its representatives, and all its claims. I do not have any ownership, partnership, or ongoing relationship with the company, and I do not support any of its activities,” she stressed.

She vowed to be stricter in the future to safeguard her brand.

“To everyone who follows and supports me, I truly value your trust. Going forward, I will implement stricter vetting procedures before associating with any brand or service.

“Your welfare and confidence in my work remain my highest priority. Again, I deeply apologise and humbly ask for your understanding. I stand with the people affected.”

Fellow content creator and Royal Matrix Rehabilitation Centre associate, Royal Mint, was also caught in the same web this week.

“I would like to sincerely apologise to everyone who may have been misled by the once-off video advertisement I created for a company claiming to assist people with migration opportunities abroad.

“At the time, I acted in good faith and had no knowledge that the company would not fulfill its promises. I now understand that many people were negatively affected, and for that, I am truly sorry,” Royal Mint shared.

“I take full responsibility for not conducting proper background checks before associating my name and platform with their services. Your trust means everything to me, and I deeply regret that this situation has compromised that trust in any way. Please know that I do not support or stand by any fraudulent or dishonest practices. Moving forward, I will be more thorough and cautious with all partnerships to ensure that I only promote legitimate, credible, and trustworthy organisations.”

Mabrijo, who has also been used by suspected scammers, was at a loss for words.

“I would like to sincerely apologize to everyone who may have been misled by the once-off video advertisement I created for a company claiming to assist people with migration opportunities abroad.

“At the time, I acted in good faith and had no knowledge that the company would not fulfill its promises. I now understand that many people were negatively affected, and for that, I am truly sorry.

“I take full responsibility for not conducting proper background checks before associating my name and platform with their services. Your trust means everything to me, and I deeply regret that this situation has compromised that trust in any way,” he added.

In recent months, socialites have landed themselves in hot water for conducting business with scammers. Some of them are now spending much of their time in the courts of law as witnesses in several cases.