Samantha Armytage has suffered a new blow just days after it was revealed Channel Nine held back-to-back ‘crisis meetings’ with staff following her defection to the network.
The 48-year-old TV presenter took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal that she is the victim of a scammer pretending to be her on social media.
Samantha shared a screenshot of a makeshift Instagram account, boasting 782 followers, while her verified account boasts 257,000 Instagram followers.
‘Fake account. Pls report and block and don’t follow if they get in touch,’ she warned fans.
This isn’t the first time the popular TV star blasted scammers using her name and image to trick users online.
Back in 2020, the former Sunrise host raged that several companies have stolen her image to promote products on Facebook, urging fans not to part with their cash.
Samantha Armytage has suffered a devastating blow just days after it was revealed that Channel Nine held back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring her onto the Today show as a summer fill-in co-host
The 48-year-old TV presenter took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal that she is the victim of a scammer pretending to be her on social media
‘For God’s sake, don’t give these people your money. It’s scammers! I’m not flogging “keto pills” on Facebook, whatever they are,’ she insisted at the time.
Samantha first informed fans of the situation by sharing a screenshot of one of the ads, which had used a picture of her to promote a weight loss product.
It was shared by company ‘Fluffy And Bright Smiles’ – linking to an external website.
‘Lots of fake ads using my name and photo on Facebook tonight,’ wrote Samantha.
A second advert – shared by a company titled ‘Your Everyday Charms’ – even used a fake quote from Samantha to promote their weight loss ‘keto pills’.
‘I’ve melted away over 20[kg] with this. I love it and my fans will too,’ the fake quote read, with Samantha insisting: ‘Don’t give these people your money.’
After a third bogus advert also used a fake quote alongside her image, Samantha urged Facebook to ‘sort this cr*p’ out by tagging the social giants in her post.
The network’s move has sparked outrage among long-time staff, with insiders alleging the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed.
‘Fake ads’: The Sunrise host raged on Saturday that several companies have stolen her image, urging fans not to fall for the adverts while sharing screenshots of them to Instagram
‘For God’s sake, don’t give these people your money. It’s scammers! I’m not flogging ‘keto pills’ on Facebook, whatever they are,’ insisted Samantha as she shared more of the ads
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Sam, 48, is set to join Karl Stefanovic for a week and a half during the holiday season, temporarily replacing Sarah Abo.
While Nine insists the move is purely seasonal, speculation is rife that it could be a trial run to see if Sam is the right fit to join Today permanently.
The fallout from the decision has been significant.
‘There have been crisis meetings back-to-back since Sam was signed,’ a source told Woman’s Day.
‘The big bosses did not listen to the team when they objected to Sam coming on board.’
Meanwhile, a well-placed source tells Daily Mail that Nine has a strategic reasoning behind Sam’s appointment.
‘Let’s not pretend this isn’t about ratings,’ they said.
‘If Sam manages to pull Today out of the shadow of Sunrise, even for a week, the network will see it as a win. For Sam, it’s about proving she’s still the queen of breakfast TV.’
It comes amid reports Nine been plunged into back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Samantha onto the Today show as a summer fill-in co-host. Pictured last month
The network’s move has sparked outrage among long-time staff, with insiders alleging the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed. (Pictured: Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo)
One major source of resentment at her new network is the perception that Nine’s existing talent has been overlooked.
Many insiders were reportedly blindsided by Sam’s signing, particularly after she was chosen to host The Golden Bachelor, despite others at the network vying for the role.
‘There is no harder slap-down than to put your hand up for hosting The Golden Bachelor and virtually be told you’ve got the gig, only to then read in the newspapers that Sam is their surprise pick,’ the insider claimed.
The tension reportedly extends to Today’s regular hosts.
Sarah, 39, was allegedly upset earlier this year when she learned Sam was being considered as her temporary replacement during a leave period.
That plan was shelved after Sarah pushed back, with Nine opting for Sylvia Jeffreys as a ‘safer option.’
This time, however, Sarah appears to have accepted the decision, though insiders claim it hasn’t been easy.
‘If Sam wants it that much, she can have it,’ a colleague reportedly said, adding that Sarah is resigned to the fact that Sam is being given prime opportunities at the network.
Channel Nine and Samantha Armytage have been approached for comment.