Citizen TV Warns Kenyans of Maria Show Auditions Con Scheme

Citizen TV has dismissed a poster circulating online advertising auditions for the cast of season 2 of drama series Maria.

The media house warned Kenyans against falling victim to such con games, stating that it has not advertised for casting, neither does it charge members of the public to cast them.

"Buyer Beware: Kindly be advised that there are NO Maria show auditions taking place and Royal Media Services will NEVER ask you for any registration fees for auditions," Citizen TV tweeted.

The media house had referenced to a post shared by a fake account on Instagram, clowning actress Yasmin Saidd (Maria).

The fraudsters alleged that they were in search of 20 vibrant youth with a passion for acting and willing to be casted in season 2 of the series.

They claimed that they will embark on production of the show, alleging public demand, and attached a fake application letter along with a phone number for contact.

Citizen TV has in the past two years raised alarm over conmen targeting Kenyans in schemes involving the popular show, preying on its huge nationwide viewership.

According to a GeoPoll report titled Television and Radio Audience Ratings for Q4 2019 in Kenya: A GeoPoll Audience Measurement Report released in January 2020, Maria was ranked as one of the most watched television shows in the country.

"In Q4 2019, the program had 31.77% share on average from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. The rating data showed that Maria was more popular with women than men. On average across all days, the show has a 3% higher share among women than men," the report stated.

Maria is cast and produced by Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdallah owned, Giffy Pictures.