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Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has strongly denied reports linking him to an alleged romance scam, describing the claims circulating online as false, malicious and entirely without merit.
The actor broke his silence after reports emerged on Friday alleging that he had been invited for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation over an alleged $75,000 romance scam involving an American woman.
The reports claimed that a 49-year-old woman identified as Kimberly Ann accused the actor of defrauding her after an online relationship that allegedly began in 2025.
The allegation quickly gained attention on social media, with many users reacting to the claims and questioning whether the actor had any involvement in the reported incident.
Responding through his Instagram Story, Ogbonna categorically rejected the allegations, insisting that he has never been involved in internet fraud, romance scams or any other form of criminal activity.
According to the actor, the report was fabricated and lacked any factual foundation.
He stressed that he has built his career through legitimate means and would never associate himself with fraudulent schemes designed to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
Ogbonna described the publication as an attempt to damage his reputation and mislead members of the public.
The actor also used the opportunity to address the growing problem of online impersonation, revealing that fraudsters have repeatedly created fake social media accounts using his name and photographs to deceive people.
He explained that individuals posing as him have continued to target unsuspecting victims by pretending to establish personal relationships before requesting money or other forms of financial assistance.
According to Ogbonna, these scammers have no connection to him and operate independently without his knowledge or approval.
He emphasised that he has never authorised anyone to represent him online or communicate with fans on his behalf through unofficial accounts.
The actor urged members of the public to remain cautious whenever they interact with accounts claiming to belong to celebrities.
He warned that fraudsters often exploit the popularity of well-known public figures to gain the trust of potential victims before carrying out their schemes.
Ogbonna advised fans to verify the authenticity of social media accounts before engaging in conversations or responding to financial requests.
He further clarified that he has never asked anyone for money through social media and would never use private messages to solicit financial support from followers.
The actor encouraged internet users to report suspicious accounts impersonating him to the relevant platforms to help reduce online fraud.
Celebrity impersonation has become an increasing concern across social media, with several Nigerian entertainers previously warning fans about fake profiles created in their names.
Fraudsters often use stolen photographs and personal information to create convincing accounts, making it difficult for some users to distinguish between genuine celebrity profiles and fake ones.
Many victims have reportedly lost money after believing they were communicating directly with their favourite entertainers.
The latest allegation against Ogbonna highlights the growing challenges public figures face in protecting their identities in the digital age.
False reports and impersonation can quickly spread across online platforms, creating confusion among fans and potentially damaging reputations before facts are established.
As a result, celebrities increasingly rely on their verified social media pages to address rumours and caution followers against fraudulent activities.
Despite the controversy, Ogbonna maintained that he remains focused on his career and will continue to distance himself from any criminal conduct.
He reiterated that he has no connection with romance scams or internet fraud and appealed to the public not to believe unverified reports circulating online.
The actor concluded by urging fans to remain vigilant, verify information before sharing it and exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to represent celebrities on social media.
His response serves as another reminder of the importance of online awareness and the need for internet users to confirm the authenticity of digital interactions before providing personal information or financial assistance.
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