Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
Zimbabweans are being urged to exercise extreme caution as one of the most sophisticated scams in recent history spreads rapidly across social media platforms. Fraudsters are impersonating controversial businessman Sir Wicknell Chivhayo on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter) and even TikTok, luring unsuspecting victims into a trap powered by artificial intelligence.
The scheme usually begins when a person receives a friend request or follow notification from what appears to be Sir Wicknell’s verified account. The fake profiles are carefully designed, showcasing luxury cars, money and flashy lifestyles copied directly from the real businessman’s pages. Once the victim accepts the request, they are approached with promises of an “exclusive investment opportunity” that will supposedly deliver massive returns.
To seal the deception, scammers then send a call request on Messenger, WhatsApp or even Telegram. Using AI voice-cloning technology, they reproduce Sir Wicknell’s distinctive voice, confidently explaining the investment deal. In some cases, deepfake video calls are deployed, making the illusion even harder to detect. Convinced that they are speaking to the flamboyant businessman, victims are persuaded to transfer large sums of money into fraudulent accounts. By the time the truth emerges, it is already too late.
This scam represents a new, dangerous chapter in online fraud. Unlike older schemes that relied on poorly written messages or stolen photos, today’s criminals are harnessing artificial intelligence to create near-perfect imitations of public figures. “What we are seeing is a high-tech trap,” one cybersecurity analyst explained. “It exploits people’s admiration of celebrities and their desperation for quick money.”
ZRP have constantly recieved reports, but tracing the culprits has proven difficult, hiding behind encrypted networks. Sir Wicknell himself has publicly denied running any investment initiatives on social media, stressing that he never solicits money online.
The public is being advised to remain vigilant. No genuine investment opportunity will arrive via a random direct message and promises of extraordinary returns are almost always fraudulent.
As scams like these continue to evolve, Zimbabweans are reminded of one timeless truth, in matters of money, if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
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