Staff Writer
Standard Bank Namibia has issued a public warning about a fraudulent social media video that falsely portrays its chief executive officer, Erwin Tjipuka, promoting an alleged investment scheme.
In a statement released on Monday, the bank said the video, which has been circulating on platforms including Facebook, is a deepfake, digitally manipulated content designed to mislead viewers by attributing statements or endorsements to well-known individuals. The bank said neither Tjipuka nor its leadership has participated in, endorsed or advised on any investment opportunity outside the institution’s official product offerings.
Standard Bank Namibia said it unequivocally distances itself from the content, describing it as misleading and malicious.
“Our CEO has not made any such statements, and we strongly condemn the use of deepfake technology to mislead the public,” said Elzita Beukes, senior manager for public relations and communication at the bank. She urged customers and the public to remain vigilant and to verify information through trusted and official sources.
The bank warned that online investment scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often impersonating reputable institutions or executives to gain credibility. It highlighted common red flags, including promises of guaranteed or risk-free returns, pressure to act quickly, poor video quality or inconsistent facial movements, unverified social media pages, and requests for upfront payments.
Standard Bank Namibia advised the public to verify information through its official website and customer contact centre, report suspicious posts or profiles on the platforms where they appear, and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or sharing personal or banking details online.
The bank said it remains committed to protecting customers from fraud and is working with law enforcement, regulators and industry partners to combat digital scams and raise awareness about emerging cyber threats.
