Sonsoles Ónega, the renowned television presenter of "Y Ahora Sonsoles," has recently been ensnared in the dark world of identity theft as fraudsters exploit her likeness to peddle a supposedly miraculous cream promising relief from joint pain. The startling details of the scam came to light during her program on December 19, when Ónega, visibly shaken, revealed how criminals have both misrepresented her image and misled vulnerable individuals.
The scheme centers around a fraudulent advertisement claiming to promote the benefits of a miracle cream purportedly developed by the fictitious doctor Frank Suárez. The advertisement used doctored images of Ónega sitting in a wheelchair, accompanied by false statements supposedly from her about how the product had cured her ailments. "Me siento en la obligación de pedir disculpas aunque obviamente no tengo nada que ver," she expressed with regret on her show—an apology for being misrepresented without her consent.
Rosalía, an 83-year-old viewer, played a pivotal role by contacting the show after seeing the suspicious advertisement. "Me llamó la atención y llamé por si era verdad y le podía servir a mi hija," she disclosed, emphasizing her caution upon seeing Ónega, someone she recognized, represented as suffering from debilitating pain. Thankfully, her inquisitiveness saved her from falling victim to the scam.
Sadly, not all viewers have been as fortunate. Carmen Ortiz and Marga, two women who unknowingly purchased the fraudulent cream, recounted their distressing experiences live on air. Ortiz lamented, "Me gasté 150 euros en la crema y, al aplicarla, me di cuenta de que era agua, ¡agua! No olía a nada y mi marido empezó a decirme 'niña, que esto es agua.'" Such realizations reflect the painful impacts these scams can inflict, preying on those already facing health challenges.
The deception does not stop with just one celebrity; it draws attention to the increasingly dangerous trend of using well-known personalities to lend credibility to dubious products. Other high-profile figures, like Ana Rosa Quintana and Alberto Chicote, have also reported having their identities misused for similar scams, showcasing the span of this troubling issue.
During the broadcast, Ónega did not hold back on her condemnation: "Es deleznable que utilicen mi imagen para engañar a la gente," she stated, underlining the moral decay of those who perpetrate such scams. Her emotions reflected the concern shared by many public figures who find themselves used as unwitting advertisement tools.
Journalist Arancha Pérez highlighted the extent of the fraud during the show, explaining, "Ni la empresa está donde dicen en la web ni contestan al teléfono. Además, ese doctor, según informaciones de internet, habría fallecido." This statement emphasized the ridiculousness of the claims being made, showcasing how thorough the deceit was and the lack of credible backing behind the advertised product.
Consumer rights organizations have sought to shed light on this issue for years, with Rubén Sánchez from Facua noting, "Este tipo de engaños no solo dañan a las víctimas, sino también a quienes ven su nombre involucrado injustamente." The organization has reported the product since 2021, warning citizens to be vigilant as many continue falling prey to such fraudulent tactics.
Ónega's firm response included filing reports with law enforcement, reinforcing her dedication not just to clear her name, but also to protect individuals who might be misled. "Revisen siempre la información y no se dejen engañar. Hay que ser precavidos," she urged her audience, serving as both advice and warning for the public.
The growing visibility of these scams, particularly those involving public figures, marks not only a concerning trend but also raises awareness of the need for greater scrutiny when it involves online advertisements. With increasing dependency on digital media, individuals must remind themselves to verify sources before acting on potentially harmful claims.
Ónega's unyielding stand against such fraudulent practices advocates for both the integrity of public figures and the vulnerability of the audience. Disguising deceit as credible testimonials misguides those seeking genuine remedies, captivating them through emotional manipulation. With each story of deception brought to light, the call for caution resonates strongly: always stay informed and question the authenticity of what is presented.
