Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has dismissed reports linking him to an alleged romance scam, denying claims that he is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the FBI over a purported $75,000 fraud.
The allegations emerged after reports claimed a 49-year-old American woman, Kimberly Ann, lodged a complaint, alleging she had been in an online relationship since 2025 with someone impersonating the actor.
Responding via his Instagram Stories, Ogbonna described the reports as false and defamatory, insisting he has never been involved in internet fraud or romance scams.
“This report is completely false, malicious, and without any factual basis. I don’t support or participate in any form of internet fraud, romance scams, or any other fraudulent activity,” he stated.
The actor explained that fraudsters have repeatedly used his name, photographs, and identity to create fake social media accounts aimed at deceiving unsuspecting members of the public. He maintained that he has never authorized anyone to act on his behalf online, solicit money, or communicate privately while posing as him.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time my name, image, and identity have been used by unknown individuals operating fake social media accounts to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
“I have never authorized anyone to represent me online, solicit money on my behalf, or engage in private conversations pretending to be me.
“Please remain vigilant and be extremely careful of impersonators and catfish accounts that exploit my identity to scam unsuspecting people.”
His reaction comes amid increasing concerns over the rise of fake celebrity accounts and romance scams on social media platforms.
