Samantha Armytage has suffered a fresh 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 host took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal that she is the victim of a scammer impersonating her on social media.
Samantha shared a screenshot of a makeshift Instagram account, which has 782 followers, while her verified account has 257,000 Instagram followers.
‘Fake account. Please report, block and do not follow if they come in contact,” he warned fans.
This is not the first time the popular TV star has criticized scammers who use his name and image to scam users online.
In 2020, the former Sunrise presenter was furious that several companies had stolen her image to promote products on Facebook, and urged her fans not to part with their money.
Samantha Armytage has suffered a devastating blow just days after it was revealed Channel Nine held back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring her on to the Today show as a stand-in summer co-presenter.
The 48-year-old TV host took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal that she is the victim of a scammer impersonating her on social media.
‘For the love of God, don’t give your money to these people. They are scammers! “I’m not advertising ‘keto pills’ on Facebook, whatever they are,” he insisted at the time.
Samantha first informed fans of the situation by sharing a screenshot of one of the ads, which used a photo of her to promote a weight loss product.
It was shared by the company ‘Fluffy And Bright Smiles’ and linked to an external website.
“Tonight there will be a lot of fake ads with my name and photo on Facebook,” Samantha wrote.
A second ad, shared by a company titled ‘Your Everyday Charms’, even used a fake quote from Samantha to promote their ‘ketogenic pills’ for weight loss.
‘I have melted over 20kg with this. I love it and so do my fans,” the fake quote read, and Samantha insisted, “Don’t give your money to these people.”
After a third fake ad also used a fake quote next to her image, Samantha urged Facebook to “fix this shit” by tagging the social giants in her post.
The chain’s move has sparked outrage among longtime staff, with insiders alleging the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed.
‘Fake ads’: The Sunrise presenter raged on Saturday that several companies have stolen her image, urging her fans not to fall for the ads as she shares screenshots of them on Instagram.
‘For the love of God, don’t give your money to these people. They are scammers! “I’m not advertising ‘keto pills’ on Facebook, whatever they are,” Samantha insisted as she shared more ads.
Sam, 48, will join Karl Stefanovic for a week and a half over the Christmas season, temporarily replacing Sarah Abo.
While Nine insists the move is purely seasonal, speculation is rife that it could be a test to see if Sam is the right candidate to join Today permanently.
The consequences of the decision have been significant.
“There have been back-to-back crisis meetings since Sam signed,” a source told Women’s Day.
“The big bosses didn’t listen to the team when they opposed Sam’s addition.”
Meanwhile, a well-placed source tells Daily Mail Australia that Nine has strategic reasoning behind Sam’s appointment.
“Let’s not pretend this isn’t about ratings,” they said.
‘If Sam can get Today out of Sunrise’s shadow, even for a week, the network will see it as a victory. For Sam, it’s about proving she’s still the queen of breakfast TV.”
It comes amid reports that Nine was plunged into back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Samantha onto the Today show as a summer stand-in co-presenter. Pictured last month
The chain’s move has sparked outrage among longtime staff, with insiders alleging the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed. (In the photo: Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo)
A major source of resentment towards its new network is the perception that Nine’s existing talent has been overlooked.
Many insiders were reportedly surprised by Sam’s signing, particularly after she was chosen to host The Golden Bachelor, despite others at the network vying for the role.
“There’s no worse slap in the face than raising your hand to host The Golden Bachelor and being virtually told you’ve got the job, only to then read in the papers that Sam is their surprise pick,” the source said.
The tension reportedly extends to Today’s regular hosts.
Sarah, 39, was reportedly upset earlier this year when she found out Sam was being considered as her temporary replacement during a period of leave.
That plan was shelved after Sarah backed down and Nine opted for Sylvia Jeffreys as a “safer option”.
This time, however, Sarah seems to have accepted the decision, although insiders say it hasn’t been easy.
“If Sam wants it so bad, he can have it,” a colleague reportedly said, adding that Sarah is resigned to the fact that Sam is being given great opportunities at the network.
Channel Nine and Samantha Armytage have been contacted for comment.