By Burnett Munthali
Renowned Malawian lawyer and human rights advocate Alexius Kamangila has taken to his Facebook page to warn the public about the rise of fake social media profiles using his name and likeness. In his post, Kamangila cautioned his followers to be vigilant and verify pages before engaging with them, as there are several fraudulent accounts circulating online.
In his brief but pointed message, Kamangila wrote:
“Fake pages ayambika… Achina ujeni ndiambiri. Verify, mungaberedwe,”
(“Fake pages have started… Many impersonators are out there. Verify, or you could be scammed.”)
The rise of fake pages
Kamangila’s warning comes amid a growing trend of fake social media profiles attempting to impersonate prominent figures, including lawyers, politicians, and public advocates. These pages often seek to exploit unsuspecting followers for financial gain or to spread misinformation. For a figure like Kamangila, who is deeply involved in legal and human rights matters, the potential for abuse of his identity poses serious risks to his reputation and the public trust.
Why verification is important
In his post, Kamangila stressed the importance of verifying the authenticity of social media pages. Many individuals have fallen victim to scams perpetrated by fake accounts, which can ask for money, offer false legal advice, or mislead people into believing they are communicating with the real person.
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Kamangila’s message serves as a reminder to always check the credentials and authenticity of public figures’ pages. Official accounts are often marked with verification badges, and Kamangila encourages his followers to look for those markers before interacting or sharing personal information.
Protecting the public
Kamangila’s proactive approach to warning his followers is crucial in safeguarding the public from potential fraud. As a public figure, his influence and visibility make him a prime target for impersonators, but his swift action in addressing the issue reflects his dedication to transparency and protecting those who follow his work.
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By raising awareness, Kamangila hopes to prevent people from falling victim to scams that could have significant financial or emotional consequences.
Conclusion
As online fraud continues to evolve, lawyer Alexius Kamangila’s warning about fake social media profiles is timely and important. His advice to “verify” serves as a critical reminder for Malawians to stay cautious when engaging with public figures online. In the era of digital communication, vigilance and caution are essential to avoid becoming a victim of scams and impersonation.