IT IS a trend among celebrities to have their own products, but husband-and-wife team of Aeril Zafrel and Wawa Zainal have cautioned fellow actors to be “wary of wolves in sheep’s clothing” when choosing business partners.
The duo lost RM100,000 from us to a businessman whom they thought they could trust, after he promised to help them set up their own brand of perfume in March last year.
Having lodged a police report against the businessman, a Datuk, Aeril and Wawa admitted that they had learnt a painful lesson and hoped their celebrity friends would be more careful when entering into a partnership with anyone.
Aeril, 28, said they met the Datuk early last year, after he offered to help them create a range of perfumes.
“He was a fan of local films, and had helped other celebrities launch their own products.”
Aeril and Wawa thought that the Datuk was sincere, as he took them to his cosmetics factory and office in Shah Alam.
“He promised us that he would get our perfume ready by May last year.
“He collected RM100,000 to start our joint venture,” Aeril told the New Straits Times yesterday.
When the Datuk failed to contact them after three months, Aeril and Wawa went to his office, but he was not in.
“We phoned him a few times, demanding our money back, and when he replied, he promised to send us a cheque.
“He did, but the cheque bounced.”
Some of the Datuk’s former employees told them that the money they paid him had been “used for other purposes”.
“We contacted his wife and children, but they, too, didn’t know of his whereabouts.”
After waiting for 19 months, the couple lodged a report at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters last Monday.
“We gave him many chances to reply, but he has not.
“We’re seeking police help to get our money back,” said Aeril.
Aeril and Wawa hope artistes vet individuals who offer to help them establish their own products.
“It’s always good to find out more about the individuals who are keen to collaborate with you before entering into business partnerships with them.
“We can’t afford to be too trusting as some are just opportunists,” said Aeril, who vowed to find a reputable business partner in the future.