Wicknell Chivayo Scammed $50K by Nigerian Fraudsters in Costly Fake Watch Deal
Flamboyant Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, known for his lavish lifestyle and unapologetic displays of wealth, has found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The outspoken tycoon was recently scammed out of $50,000 in Abu Dhabi by a group of Nigerian fraudsters during the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, where he was promised a custom-made diamond-studded watch worth $110,000.
While enjoying the high-octane atmosphere of the F1 races in Abu Dhabi, Chivayo was approached by a group of well-dressed individuals who claimed to represent a prestigious watchmaking brand. They presented what they described as a once-in-a-lifetime offer: a custom luxury timepiece encrusted with flawless diamonds, specially crafted for VIP clients.
Intrigued and eager to expand his already impressive collection of luxury watches, Chivayo agreed to the deal. The scammers demanded an upfront payment of $50,000 to begin the customization process, with the remaining balance to be paid upon delivery. Confident in their pitch and impressed by the sample designs they showcased, Chivayo transferred the amount immediately.
The supposed luxury watch was delivered within days, but instead of the sparkling masterpiece Chivayo had been promised, he received a poorly crafted counterfeit. The "diamonds" were little more than cheap imitations, and the watch bore none of the craftsmanship associated with high-end brands. Realizing he'd been duped, Chivayo reached out to the fraudsters, only to find their phones disconnected and their social media accounts deleted.
Chivayo, who often takes to social media to flaunt his wealth and success, was uncharacteristically quiet about the ordeal at first. However, the story leaked when a close associate shared the details, prompting widespread commentary online.
Critics have called the incident a case of "pride gone wrong," suggesting Chivayo's eagerness to show off his wealth made him an easy target. Others have sympathized, pointing out how even seasoned businessmen can fall victim to well-organized scams.
This incident highlights the continued rise of sophisticated scams targeting high-net-worth individuals. Nigerian fraudsters, often operating in global hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, use elaborate schemes, fake credentials, and high-pressure tactics to con unsuspecting victims.
Authorities in the UAE have since launched an investigation, though the chances of recovering the money or apprehending the perpetrators remain slim.
Chivayo's experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence, even for the wealthy and influential. Experts advise individuals to verify the legitimacy of deals and to rely on established, reputable brands when purchasing high-value items.
For now, Chivayo has yet to make a public statement on the matter, but one thing is certain: this expensive lesson will not be forgotten anytime soon.