Collapsed Scam Annoushka reprises as Magnificent Jewelry Global: A closer look at the recycled fraud

The infamous Annoushka scam has reappeared, not as a new venture but with a simple rebrand and a new website—magnificentjewelryglobal.com.

By reprising its previous scheme under a different domain, this fraud is attempting to dodge its tainted history while continuing to exploit unsuspecting investors.

Despite a fresh coat of digital paint, the operation remains the same: a fake luxury jewellery front promising “fixed income” returns, but delivering nothing but disappointment.

What’s in a Name? Exploiting the Real Annoushka Brand

The scam exploits the credibility of the UK-based Annoushka Jewellery (annoushka.com), a genuine and respected brand known for its high-quality, handcrafted jewellery.

By using the name “Annoushka,” the fraudulent site misleadingly associates itself with the legitimacy of the real Annoushka Jewellery, banking on the trust the original brand has built over the years.

This tactic, known as “passing off,” is commonly used in scams to lend a veneer of credibility to fraudulent operations.

Same Scheme, Different Name: How the Scam Operates

Magnificent Jewelry Global presents nearly identical “fixed income” investment opportunities as the original Annoushka scam, previously run on annoushka-b2c.com.

The setup is simple and enticing: customers are invited to “invest” in jewellery pieces that supposedly generate daily returns over a set period. Here are some examples of these so-called investment packages:

• E110 Package: Priced at R110 with a daily return of R4.84 over 45 days, totalling R217.8.
• E2500 Package: Requires an “investment” of R2500 with a daily income of R117.5 for 48 days, totalling R5640.
• N4100 Package: The highest tier, priced at R4100, promising R200.9 daily for 48 days, totalling R9643.2.

These packages mirror the ones offered under the original Annoushka scam, with the same promises of quick returns that appeal to investors seeking passive income.

However, this setup is fundamentally a Ponzi scheme—new investors’ funds are used to pay supposed returns to earlier participants until the operation inevitably collapses.

Also read: 

• The Annoushka Scam: A ponzi scheme exploiting a legitimate jewellery brand

A Web of Lies: Technical Analysis Reveals the Truth

A closer look at the website’s infrastructure reveals the same deceitful playbook that annoushka-b2c.com used:

1. Dynamic JavaScript Content: The site heavily relies on JavaScript to dynamically load content, making it challenging to track and obscuring crucial details. This tactic is common in scam sites to avoid detection by search engines and regulatory authorities.
2. Code Reuse and Asset Recycling: Analysing the code reveals nearly identical elements to those in the original Annoushka site, down to image assets, CSS, and layout structure. This level of duplication strongly suggests that the same operators are behind both sites, rebranding only to escape their previous reputation.
3. Shared Hosting and Trouva Scam Connections: Domain registration patterns and IP addresses link this scam to a broader network of fraudulent sites, including those associated with Trouva-related scams such as trouva-o2o.com and trouva-c2c.com. Trouva scams are notorious for using fake e-commerce fronts to lure victims with promises of high returns on “investments.”

Not Registered or Regulated in South Africa

Despite its claims, Magnificent Jewelry Global is not a registered company in South Africa and is not licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) to take deposits or offer investment products.

Operating without registration, the scheme has no legal standing to accept investments, making its promises of fixed returns not only improbable but outright illegal.

Connecting the Dots to Trouva-Related Scams

Magnificent Jewelry Global’s tactics mirror those of other scams linked to the Trouva network. Trouva scams have long exploited consumers with cloned websites, fake testimonials, and unrealistic investment returns.

Both the Annoushka scam and Trouva-related scams use identical strategies, including:

1. Cloned Website Templates: Both scams use similar templates and layouts, down to specific colours and design elements. This cloning indicates a larger network of scammers reusing assets to target new victims.
2. Promised “Returns” Disguised as Purchases: Trouva scams and Magnificent Jewelry Global share the same setup: selling products (in this case, jewellery) as a cover for supposed “fixed income” investments. However, there’s no real product—just an illusion crafted to lure in more deposits.
3. Backend Server and Hosting Links: Analysis of hosting data reveals shared server space with other known scams, suggesting a centralised operation running multiple fraudulent sites from the same infrastructure.

How to Protect Yourself

If you encounter an investment opportunity that looks like this, be cautious. Always verify a website’s credentials and licensing before investing, and remember that legitimate businesses do not need to pass off as other brands or promise unsustainable returns.

Report scams like Magnificent Jewelry Global to local authorities, including the FSCA, to prevent further victimisation.

Final Thoughts: A Scam Rehashed

Magnificent Jewelry Global’s rebranding of the collapsed Annoushka scam is a clear attempt to dodge accountability and find fresh victims.

By borrowing the credibility of reputable brands and recycling assets, the operators hope to continue their fraudulent scheme under a new name. Be vigilant, and remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.