With the digital era officially in full swing, the amount of fake news spreading on social media is easily spreading like wildfire. Even though technology makes it easy for people to interact over long distances and have instant access to information, just because certain things are being posted on social media does not always mean that they are true.
Well-known entertainer, Emo Adams recently found himself the victim of this.
This comes after a series of posts circulated the internet which revealed that the singer has passed away.
Emo is well familiar with what negative things can come from being a public figure in South Africa comes with, after scammers created several fake profiles pretending to be him, but it was not until recently that things went just a bit too far.
Taking to his Instagram page the singer explained that despite ignoring these trolls in the past, the news shared on social media has had devastating effects on so many members of his family including his mother.
“It was brought to our attention an alarming wave of misinformation flooding social media platforms, falsely claiming that I had passed away. Various fake accounts, impersonating both me and my wife, have been spreading.
“Initially disregarded, the situation escalated when my mother called me distraught in the dead of night, tears streaming down her face. I can’t imagine what any mother goes through or experiences receiving such news, especially when not true.”
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He later urged his followers to be aware of these fake accounts as well as what to look out for.
“I urge everyone to report these fraudulent accounts and refrain from engaging or sending any funds.”
Also see: Leon Schuster criticises public for sending RIP messages