BIG Brother star Farida Khalifa has issued a grovelling apology to fans after she fell victim to online fraudsters.
All of Farida's social media accounts were taken over by the scammers when she 'clicked on a link' that she thought was sent by charity workers.
As a result, the make-up artist's Instagram, TikTok and Facebook accounts sent "hundreds" of messages that claimed she was raising money for charities involved in the Gaza conflict.
Farida, 50, has now managed to gain back control and says she is "praying" that none of her followers parted with money.
In a new Instagram video, the star said: "I'm so, so sorry. I was hacked on my account by scammers that were into Bitcoin.
"They told me that they were doing some charity thing and to click a link to give a vote and unfortunately.... urgh.
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"It happened a few days ago and I've been really working hard to try and get my account back.
"Now I've finally got it back and I see that I did put some words out on TikTok and I also put it out on my Facebook page."
She added: "I'm so sorry for those of you who might have been hacked. I just pray that you haven't exchanged any money.
"They're writing stupid things like I'm raising money for Gaza and all that nonsense.
"Unfortunately yes, hacking and scamming is a big thing at the moment. I'm really, really sorry."
Farida concluded: "I just thought I'd quickly make this video.
"I know I look rough but I just needed to make this quick video to let you all know that I was hacked and I'm really, really sorry."
Writing in the comments, one of Farida's fans told her they had received a dodgy message from her account.
"I’ve got a message from you but I didn't click on the link x," they wrote.
Farida replied: "Thank God you didn't! They sent out 100s of messages..."
Another told her: "Farida do not worry, I saw the message and was skeptical about it so i was cautious. We are all so happy you got your account back."
And someone else asked: "heyy hun just a quick question if your account was hacked.. was the trading video you promoted not you? As I was going to invest? Xx."
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Farida was the first housemate to be evicted from this year's Big Brother, which returned to screens in October following a five-year hiatus.
Last month, Farida told fans that she had received a message from the BBC 'asking her to appear on another show'. She has since appeared on an episode of Blankety Blank.
