Fraudsters use AI to impersonate Chivayo

Zimbabwe is facing a new and alarming wave of cyber fraud involving sophisticated scammers who are using artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo in a ploy to defraud unsuspecting citizens.

Victims say the fraudsters, operating through fake social media profiles and AI-generated video calls, are peddling a fake "fan card" scheme in Chivayo's name — with promises of huge cash payouts for those who buy in.

Operating under the guise of "Sir Wicknell," the scammers reportedly use doctored images and realistic AI videos to convince targets that they are communicating with the flamboyant entrepreneur himself. Victims say they are first contacted on platforms like Facebook Messenger and are later lured onto WhatsApp, where AI-generated videos allegedly show Chivayo endorsing the bogus investment.

The fraudulent scheme promises up to US$10,000 in returns for an initial "fan card" payment as low as US$100. Some victims were reportedly asked to pay as much as US$30,000, with the promise of receiving triple that amount within 24 hours.

In reality, the entire operation is a scam — and the real Wicknell Chivayo is not involved.

Chivayo has since issued a public warning on his verified Facebook page, distancing himself from the fraud and alerting his followers to the increasingly advanced tactics being used.

"It has come to my attention, yet again, that some unscrupulous individuals are fraudulently impersonating me across various social media platforms," Chivayo said. "These unrepentant criminals are now using elaborate tactics, deceitfully promising unsuspecting victims that if you send them $30,000, they will receive $100,000 within 24 hours in my name. This is laughable, to say the least — but very sad because some people are actually falling for such stupid and foolish tricks."

Chivayo, who has been trending in recent months for giving away luxury vehicles to fans and loyalists, emphasized that he never asks anyone for money in exchange for gifts or prizes.

"I only give cars to people I personally feel are patriotic and have, against all odds, demonstrated exceptional contributions to our nation… Whoever I choose will get their car fully paid for, with a full tank of fuel and fully registered in their name!"

He urged followers to verify his identity using the blue verification badge on all his official accounts and to report any suspicious interactions to the police.

"Please note that if you choose to give money to anyone claiming to be me, I bear no liability whatsoever for any losses which may result from your foolishness," he warned.

Cybersecurity experts have also weighed in, noting that this case is one of the most advanced examples of AI-driven identity fraud seen in Zimbabwe to date.

"The use of deepfake videos and voice cloning is making scams significantly harder to detect," one expert said. "People must exercise extreme caution and avoid sending money to anyone based on unverifiable online promises."

Social media platforms have since been flooded with stories from users who nearly fell victim to the scam, prompting calls for tighter digital security and awareness campaigns.

As online scams become more convincing with technology, authorities and tech experts are urging the public to remain alert. In the words of Chivayo himself: "Don't fall victim!"