'I know better': MAFS' Melissa Rawson's 'fake influencer' warning after falling victim to an online scam

Married At First Sight's Melissa Rawson has warned fans about the risk of "fake influencers" after being scammed online recently.

The 35-year-old, who shares twin boys with husband and former co-star Bryce Ruthven, took to her blog, The Second Shift, to share her experience and point out the "embarrassing" social media "frauds" out there.

Stream every episode of Married At First Sight for free on 9Now.

"I was recently scammed on a gift I purchased online," she began. "I know better now."

Melissa revealed she bought an "expensive gift" from a small business that had over 100k followers, but didn't spot the warning signs.

"I was disappointed... the quality of the materials was terrible to not even last a week and as this was a gift, I was embarrassed as the giver," she wrote.

In her blog post, Melissa pointed out some key things you could look for to identify a "fake influencer", as opposed to those more genuine in the social media industry.

"I'm not talking about all influencers of course," she continued.

She was referring to the ones that "falsify their experiences" for "a quick buck."

READ MORE: MAFS' Jack Dunkley reveals his 'biggest regret' from the experiment on the Sit With Us podcast

"It is also especially embarrassing when you're called out on buying followers by fellow influencers," she added.

While the MAFS bride boasts 244,000 Instagram followers herself, she said: "I'm not an influencer."

WATCH: Hamish Blake films hilarious TV backstory in family home

"I go weeks at a time without posting," she said.

When she does post, it's normally the real and raw Liss fans have known to love.

Melissa said that "Instagram and living life online" was her "last priorities".

"As much as I love my followers, my kids, family, and mental health all come first equally," said the mum of twins.

READ MORE: How to apply for Married At First Sight Season 12

While scammed, Melissa said she's written her purchase off as "a learning exercise".

"Do your research," she concluded.

"Read reviews and don't just rely on social media," she wrote among other tips.

Read her full post and enter the discussion on Melissa's blog here.

Liss met her husband Bryce on Season 8 of MAFS, and they tied the knot for real last year. They welcomed their sons, Levi and Tate, in October 2021.

Catch up on every episode of MAFS for free on 9Now.