Podcast & Chill is a popular South African podcast that covers topics such as entertainment, music, sports, politics, and culture. The podcast is hosted by MacG, a former radio DJ and media personality, who is known for his candid and controversial opinions. The podcast also features co-hosts such as Sol Phenduka, Ghost Lady, and Thuli Mphahlele, as well as guests from various fields and backgrounds. The podcast has a loyal fan base, known as Chillers, who tune in every week to listen to the latest episodes.
What is the scam that Podcast & Chill warned about?
On Friday, 11 August, Podcast & Chill management posted a warning on their Instagram account about a scammer who was posing as Dudu, the show’s producer. The scammer was sending fake emails to people, claiming that they were invited to be guests on the podcast and offering them up to $3000 (an estimated R57 000) for their appearance. The emails were sent from a Gmail account that was not authorized by Podcast & Chill Network.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvzTRN_Nggx/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1fdbcdd3-9518-4e61-b614-c1249effa2b5
The management urged their audience and stakeholders to be on the lookout for any suspicious emails or communications of some sort. They also advised them to contact the relevant information in their description box on YouTube to verify any invitations or offers from the podcast. They said:
“Chillers NOTE‼️ There’s A SCAMMER going around portraying as our producer Dudu. Please note that we (as Podcast and Chill Network) do not send any emails or messages via GMAIL ACCOUNTs or any unauthorised email address,” they said.
“Be on the lookout for any suspicious emails or communications of some sort… To verify, we do advise you to contact the relevant information in our description box on YouTube,” they added.
How did Podcast & Chill celebrate their one million subscribers milestone?
Despite the scam attempt, Podcast & Chill had a lot to celebrate this year. The podcast reached its first one million subscribers on YouTube in July, making it one of the most successful podcasts in South Africa. They celebrated the achievement at Sun Arena in Pretoria, where they hosted a live show with several media personalities and members of the public. The show was also streamed online for those who could not attend.
One of the highlights of the celebration was when MacG proposed to his long-term girlfriend Naledi Monamodi on stage. He got down on one knee and presented her with a ring, while the crowd cheered and applauded. Naledi said yes and hugged him, while MacG thanked her for her support and love. He said:
“I want to thank you for being there for me through thick and thin. You are my rock, my soulmate, my everything. I love you so much and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”
The proposal was captured on video and shared on social media, where it received many congratulations and well wishes from fans and celebrities.
Why is cybercrime a serious issue in South Africa?
Cybercrime is a form of crime that involves using computers or the internet to commit illegal or fraudulent activities, such as hacking, phishing, identity theft, ransomware, or online scams. Cybercrime can cause significant harm to individuals, businesses, organizations, and governments, such as financial losses, data breaches, privacy violations, reputational damage, or even physical harm.
South Africa is one of the countries with the highest rates of cybercrime in the world. According to SowetanLIVE, South Africa ranks sixth among countries with the highest cybercrime. While some locals might not understand the seriousness of cybercrime, it is actually extremely dangerous and not rare. For example, in 2016, Interpol data found that cybercrime cost the South African economy $ 573 million (an estimated R10 337 billion), Mail & Guardia reported.
Therefore, it is important for South Africans to be aware of the risks and threats of cybercrime and take preventive measures to protect themselves online. Some of the tips to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime are:
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Do not open or click on links or attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
- Do not share personal or financial information online without verifying the identity and legitimacy of the recipient.
- Use antivirus software and update it regularly.
- Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks or devices.
- Report any suspicious or fraudulent activities to the authorities or relevant platforms.
By following these tips, you can reduce your chances of falling prey to cybercriminals and enjoy a safe and secure online experience.