The late South African hip-hop star Riky Rick has once again found himself trending online—this time due to a strange and humorous scam circulating on social media. Despite his passing in February 2022, cybercriminals have reportedly used his name and identity in an attempt to defraud unsuspecting users on Facebook.
The unusual incident came to light after an X (formerly Twitter) user, @sirhighbreed, shared a screenshot of a direct message allegedly sent from an account impersonating the late rapper. The message quickly gained traction online, not only because of its audacity but also due to its bizarre content, which left many social media users amused rather than alarmed.
In the screenshot, the impersonator boldly claims that Riky Rick is not actually dead. The scammer then proceeds to request R6,500 from the recipient via e-wallet, supposedly to fund his “return” to South Africa so he can continue making music. The message reads like something out of a parody, stating: “Hey, it’s Riky Rick, this message will be deleted before this account manager sees it. I’m not really dead, can you e-wallet me R6500 so I can come back to South Africa and put out more music?”
What truly caught people’s attention, however, was the scammer’s use of the word “Nafukwa”—a reference to one of Riky Rick’s popular songs. This detail added an unintentionally comedic twist to the message, making it go viral as users reacted with disbelief and laughter.
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Social media quickly erupted with jokes and witty responses. Some users played along with the absurdity of the situation, with one commenting that the rapper had promised to “return stronger,” while others mocked the scammer’s lack of effort and knowledge, even pointing out that the requested amount exceeded typical e-wallet limits. The humor surrounding the post overshadowed the seriousness of the scam, but it also highlighted the growing boldness of online fraudsters.
This is not the first time Riky Rick has trended since his passing. Recently, his name surfaced during discussions around the collapse of Cotton Fest, the popular music festival he founded. His legacy continues to remain relevant in South Africa’s entertainment scene, both through his music and the cultural impact he left behind.
Beyond the jokes, the incident serves as a reminder of how cybercriminals exploit the identities of well-known figures to manipulate people. By using familiar names, scammers aim to gain trust quickly, even if their stories are clearly far-fetched.
Meanwhile, Riky Rick’s family and foundation continue to honour his memory in meaningful ways. On the anniversary of his passing, heartfelt tributes poured in, including a touching message from his mother expressing how deeply he is missed. His foundation has also remained active, celebrating his passion for uplifting young people and supporting creative expression.
In a statement shared on social media, the foundation reflected on his lasting influence, highlighting his love for family, music, and the broader creative community. His dedication to empowering youth and nurturing talent remains a central part of his legacy.
While the viral scam may have sparked laughter across the internet, it also underscores the importance of staying vigilant online. Even the most unlikely messages can be part of elaborate schemes, and users are urged to verify information before engaging or sending money.
As South Africans continue to remember Riky Rick for his contributions to music and culture, incidents like these show that his name still holds powerful recognition—unfortunately, even in the hands of scammers.
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