In early December, we reported that local rock band Estranged was invited to perform at Apple Music Christmas Festival in UK, but unfortunately, that has been proven as a scam.
Yesterday (Thursday, 22nd December), we received an e-mail from the lawyers of the band, informing us that they have fallen prey to a fraud. They were conned by Ms Eziana Abd Aziz, who represented herself as the Publicity Manager for Apple Inc. (London Office).
In a statement, they explained that they were “misrepresented” by a con artist, and the said festival in London does not exist. Ms Eziana contacted the band via e-mail, and forged an e-mail from Apple Music Director Adam TL Wilson informing their manager of the gig. The band has since contacted Apple UK, who confirmed that it is indeed a fraud.
Although greatly traumatised by this ordeal, the members of Estranged have decided to step up and explain the matter to the public, as they are aware that this con artist has been approaching other musicians.
They continued:
“We decided to make this information public in the interest of other innocent fellow musicians who are passionate about their music but are sometimes too gullible when it comes to business. It is in our nature as musicians sometimes to be too trusting of people. We have certainly paid a heavy price for this.
We are so affected by this event, that there were moments we were considered breaking up and cancel our upcoming tour starting in Kilang Bateri in Johor Bahru.
But we have decided to be strong for the sake of our fans and will continue with our musical journey with a stronger resolve to be best we can.”
Estranged was formed in 2001 and has released 4 full length albums, and their latest effort, titled “Sepenuhnya Vol. 1”, was made public in January this year.
For more info on their activities, visit their Facebook page.
