IK Ogbonna, a well-known Nollywood actor, has denied internet reports that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are looking into him for a purported $75,000 romance fraud.

A collaborative investigation by both authorities was prompted by rumours that a 49-year-old American citizen had lodged a complaint against the Nollywood celebrity.

Ogbonna, however, refuted the accusations in a recent Facebook post, describing them as “false, baseless, and malicious.”

He said that unidentified people used his name to register fictitious accounts in order to commit the fraud.

“My attention has been drawn to a false story currently circulating online alleging that I have been invited for questioning by the EFCC and FBI over a romance scam,” he said.

“This report is entirely untrue, malicious, and lacks any factual basis.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time my name, image, and identity have been used by unknown individuals operating fake social media accounts to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.”

The actor insisted that he has never participated in romantic scams or cyber fraud, nor has he given anyone permission to request money on his behalf.

He requested that people only use his verified social media accounts, which have the official blue checkmark.

“I would like to use this opportunity to state once again that I do not support, encourage, or participate in any form of internet fraud, romance scams, or any other fraudulent activity,” he said.

“I have never authorized anyone to represent me online, solicit money on my behalf, or engage in private chats claiming to be me.

“All of my official social media accounts are verified. If an account claiming to be mine is unverified, it is not legitimate. I don’t use hidden, backup, or private accounts to communicate with fans.

“If you are chatting, giving money to, or connecting with someone pretending to be me on social media, please be aware that it is not me. I do not personally entertain fans in that capacity, nor do I solicit financial help, gifts, investments, or other forms of payment from anyone.

“Please remain watchful and be wary of impersonators and catfish accounts that use my identity to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

“I truly thank everyone who takes the time to check facts before believing or sharing it. Together, we can work to reduce the spread of bogus news and safeguard innocent people from online fraud.

“Thank you for your continued love, trust, and support.”

The actor has previously struggled with imitation.

A 23-year-old man was detained by officials in 2023 for allegedly posing as Ogbonna and scamming an American woman of $70,000.