Actress and comedian Magda Szubanski has once again become the target of an internet scam, warning fans that a health advertisement using her name is completely fraudulent. The Australian icon, who announced in February that she was in remission from cancer, took to Instagram to share a video debunking the false promotion.
In the video, Szubanski clarified that she and television doctor Dr Ginni Mansberg had been falsely linked to a product called Vital Hemp, which claims to offer health benefits. "Hi peeps, it's bulls*** scam alert time again. I have never met Dr Ginni Mansberg, let alone had a conversation in public or in private with her about how, when, where, why, how often I wee," Szubanski said.
She added, "There's something going around on the internet. It's just a scam trying to flog some product called Vital Hemp. It's all bulls***." Szubanski advised her followers to verify any claims about her by checking her official Instagram page. "The rule of thumb I would say is if you want to know if something is true or whether I've said it, come to my Instagram page and that's where I put my posts. This is very annoying, and I really hope you haven't wasted your money. Happy Friday, love you all."
In the caption accompanying the video, the 64-year-old also emphasised that Dr Mansberg, who regularly appears on Channel 7, is a victim of the scam, with her name being used without consent. "Darlings SCAM ALERT," the caption read. "I have never met Dr Ginni Mansberg, let alone had a conversation with her about my wee!! DON'T give any money!! And Dr Ginni is NOT the perpetrator!! She's being used just like me."
This is not the first time Dr Mansberg's name and image have been misused to promote what she has previously described as a "nonsense pill for incontinence." In July last year, the Sydney GP revealed that a fake, AI-generated video advertisement had been circulating online using her likeness. In a video shared on Facebook, Mansberg issued her own warning that the health ad, now featuring Szubanski, was a scam. "It's not evidence based," Mansberg said. "It's not me."
Szubanski first revealed in May last year that she had been diagnosed with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. In February, the Kath & Kim star shared uplifting news, confirming she had completed chemotherapy and was in remission. However, since going public with her diagnosis, Szubanski has been targeted by several online health scams.
Earlier this year, scammers created social media posts and fundraisers using fake images of the star in a hospital bed, encouraging followers to donate money. At the time, the Australian star shared two images of the fake campaigns with a strong warning. "Dear peeps. This lovely lady - whoever she is - is not me," Szubanski wrote. "I hope she's doing well. But please don't think it's me and DEFINITELY DO NOT DONATE MONEY TO ANY MEDICAL FUNDRAISER THAT PURPORTS TO BE ME!!"
Szubanski stressed that any legitimate updates about her or her health would only appear on her official Instagram page. She continues to urge fans to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to such scams.
