Renowned journalist and media personality Janet Mbugua has issued a public warning after discovering that an unknown individual has been impersonating her online as part of an elaborate digital fraud scheme.
Taking to Instagram on the morning of Wednesday 2nd July, the NTV presenter revealed that the impersonator had used her name and photos to con unsuspecting members of the public – including a brazen attempt to defraud a senior public official.
“Scammer alert. There’s a strange, unsettling feeling when you realise someone is out there pretending to be you – using your photos, your name, your identity – to scam others. This week, I found out someone’s been impersonating me online and even tried to con a senior public official,” Janet wrote.
The media personality also shared the phone number being used by the impersonator and urged Kenyans to remain vigilant.
She encouraged her followers to report any suspicious messages or communication that seems out of character or unverified.
“If you’ve received any odd messages claiming to be from me, please report the account. And always cross-check through my verified platforms before engaging. Poleni if you’ve been affected. It’s annoying, but hey – digital fraud is real! So stay alert. And thank you to everyone who flagged it,” she added.
Janet’s warning has sparked broader conversations about the rising cases of digital impersonation, particularly targeting high-profile individuals. Her experience is a stark reminder that even public figures are not immune to the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.
Over the years, several prominent Kenyans have fallen victim to similar schemes, with scammers using stolen identities to manipulate and exploit others. In a recent and equally alarming case, the phone belonging to OCS Talaam was reportedly used to solicit money while he was in IPOA custody.
Janet’s swift and transparent response underscores the importance of digital literacy and public awareness in the fight against cyber fraud. Her message also highlights the need for individuals to exercise caution online, verify identities before engaging, and report suspicious activity promptly.
In an era where a single fake account can cause real-world damage, Janet’s call to action is both timely and necessary.
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