Dangote Exposes Fraudulent Video Luring Nigerians Into Investment Scheme With His Face

Dangote Exposes Fraudulent Video Luring Nigerians Into Investment Scheme With His Face

  • Dangote Group has warned the public about a fake video featuring Aliko Dangote, falsely promoting an investment scheme
  • In the video, it was promised that investors would get $1,200 after committing $250 in just 24 hours
  • The company disowned the fraudulent advert, urging Nigerians to disregard it and avoid falling victim to scammers

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of business journalism experience with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.

The Dangote group has distanced Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote from a fraudulent investment scheme circulating online that falsely claims he is endorsing a plan promising to turn $250 into $1,200.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 18, the conglomerate urged the public to ignore the adverts described as scams.

Dangote warns Nigerians about fraudulent investment scheme
Nigerians have been warned against investing their money. Photo credit: Dangote Group
Source: Facebook

The video features an AI-generated video of Dangote promoting a cryptocurrency investment for quick returns.

The statement reads:

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“ Scam alert! Our attention has been drawn to a fake video. We urge the public to disregard and ignore these fraudulent adverts to avoid falling victim to scammers."

The company stressed that it is not affiliated with any such investment programs and will not be liable for any losses incurred by victims of the scam.

The statement noted:

"The Dangote Group is not responsible for any losses or claims linked to these scammers.Please disregard these fake adverts."
Dangote denies video of investment
Dangote has no known association with cryptocurrency or get-rich-quick investment platforms. Photo credit: Bloomberg/contributor
Source: Getty Images

Rise of AI-generated video for fraud

In recent years, fake investment schemes using images and videos of high-profile individuals have become increasingly common in Nigeria, with scammers leveraging digital manipulation to deceive unsuspecting investors.

This is not the first time Dangote, Africa’s richest man has been used for such a promotional video.

Also, BUA has been forced several times to deny fake adverts seeking investments.

Nigerian government have repeatedly warned Nigerians to be wary of online scams promising unrealistic returns.

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Recently, A 53-year-old French woman named Anne said she was tricked into sending £697,000 (approximately N1.3bn) to someone pretending to be Hollywood actor, Brad Pitt.

Anne, an interior designer, claimed the scam started in February 2023 when she received a social media message from someone claiming to be Pitt's mother.

In a report by LADbible, the woman said she got a message from another account posing as the actor himself.

Anne was struggling with her marriage then and found comfort in the messages, the report unveiled.

Speaking to French media outlet, BFMTV about her ordeal she said:

"In fact, we're talking about Brad Pitt, I'm falling from the clouds. At first, I tell myself it's fake, but I don't really understand what's happening to me. After that, we will contact each other every day and we become friends."

She described the fake Brad Pitt as charming and persuasive, saying:

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"There are so few men who write you this kind of thing. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women, it was always very well done."

Dangote set to start 2 new projects in Ogun state

Legit.ng previously reported that Dangote Industries has unveiled plans for two projects in Ogun State, a seaport and also cement factory.

The move comes months after its 650,000 barrels refinery was completed and started operations.

Dangote said that his projects have made Nigeria self-sufficient in cement, fertilizer, and petroleum products.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.