Frederick Leonard raises alarm over what fraudsters are doing with his name

Nollywood actor Frederick Leonard has warned aspiring actors against paying fraudsters claiming to organise auditions on behalf of his newly established production company.

Leonard said scammers were exploiting his name to announce fake auditions and collect money from unsuspecting members of the public.

The actor, in a video posted on his verified Instagram account, clarified that his company had not scheduled any audition.

He said information about future auditions would only be published through his authenticated social media accounts.

“Some lazy Nigerian youths, unscrupulous elements and fraudsters have decided to use my name to scam people, claiming they are organising auditions and collecting money for them,” Leonard said.

He stressed that legitimate auditions do not require aspiring actors to pay participation fees.

“Auditions are free anywhere in the world. They are meant to discover new talents,” he said.

“I have not scheduled any auditions for my production company. The moment I do, I will post it on my verified accounts so that the authorities can take note.”

Leonard subsequently issued a public-service announcement categorically distancing himself from anyone requesting payment for an audition.

“This is to state that I, Frederick Leonard, am not conducting auditions or asking people to pay for auditions anywhere,” he wrote.

“If and when the need for that arises, there will be a proper announcement on my verified accounts.”

The actor urged members of the public to share the warning and verify purported opportunities before making payments.

Leonard’s warning came days after fellow Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna dismissed claims that he was under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation over an alleged $75,000 romance scam involving an American woman.

Ogbonna blamed the allegations on fake social media accounts created in his name.