Common Scam Types in Kenya

Understanding how scams work is your first line of defence. Below are the most common types of fraud reported in Kenya, with warning signs and real examples to help you stay safe.

M-Pesa/Mobile Money

Fake M-Pesa messages, wrong number refunds, SIM swap

Warning Signs

•Unsolicited M-Pesa messages claiming you received money
•Requests to "reverse" a transaction you never received
•Calls claiming your M-Pesa account will be suspended
•Requests for your M-Pesa PIN or SIM card details
•Fake Safaricom customer care numbers

Real Examples

•"You have received KES 5,000 from..." followed by a call asking you to send it back
•SIM swap attacks where fraudsters take over your phone number to access M-Pesa
•Fake M-Pesa agents offering above-market withdrawal rates
•Fuliza or M-Shwari loan scams requesting upfront fees

Land/Property

Fake land companies, multiple sales, fake title deeds

Warning Signs

•Property prices significantly below market value
•Pressure to pay before conducting a land search
•Seller unable to produce original title deed
•Multiple people claiming ownership of the same plot
•"Agent" requesting large fees before showing the property

Real Examples

•Fake land companies selling non-existent plots in satellite towns
•Forged title deeds used to sell land already owned by someone else
•Succession scams where fraudsters impersonate deceased owners' relatives
•Double-selling of plots in new housing developments

Jobs/Employment

Fake job offers, Kazi Majuu scams, fake calling letters

Warning Signs

•Job offers requiring upfront payment for "processing" or "training"
•Unsolicited job offers via SMS or WhatsApp for overseas positions
•Recruitment agencies not registered with the National Employment Authority
•Vague job descriptions with unrealistically high salaries
•Interviews conducted in informal locations rather than offices

Real Examples

•"Kazi Majuu" scams promising jobs abroad in exchange for upfront agency fees
•Fake calling letters from government ministries or the military
•Work-from-home schemes requiring purchase of "starter kits"
•Fake internship placements at well-known companies

Investment/Ponzi

Pyramid schemes, fake crypto, get-rich-quick schemes

Warning Signs

•Guaranteed returns with no risk — especially above 10% monthly
•Pressure to recruit others to earn more
•Unregistered with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
•Vague or secretive about how returns are generated
•Difficulty withdrawing your funds

Real Examples

•Pyramid schemes disguised as "savings groups" or "investment clubs"
•Fake cryptocurrency trading platforms promising daily profits
•Binary options scams targeting Kenyans on social media
•Ponzi schemes that pay early investors using new members' deposits

Tender/Government

Fake government tenders, fake procurement

Warning Signs

•Tender opportunities shared via WhatsApp or personal contacts rather than official portals
•Requests for "goodwill" or processing fees to be shortlisted
•Tenders from non-existent government departments
•Extremely short deadlines that prevent proper due diligence
•Contact emails using free providers (Gmail, Yahoo) instead of official .go.ke domains

Real Examples

•Fake county government tenders requiring refundable "security deposits"
•Impersonation of PPRA or other procurement officials
•Fake tender awards followed by requests for "tax clearance fees"
•Middlemen claiming insider connections for government contracts

Online Shopping

Fake online stores, non-delivery of goods

Warning Signs

•Prices significantly lower than other established stores
•Payment only via M-Pesa to personal numbers (not paybill/till)
•No physical address or verifiable business registration
•New social media pages with few followers but many "sales"
•Seller becomes unresponsive after payment

Real Examples

•Instagram and Facebook shops collecting payments but never delivering goods
•Fake e-commerce websites cloning legitimate stores
•Advance payment for imported electronics that never arrive
•Dropshipping scams selling low-quality items at premium prices

Romance/Dating

Catfishing, fake relationships for money

Warning Signs

•Online relationship that moves unusually fast emotionally
•Partner avoids video calls or in-person meetings
•Sudden financial emergencies requiring urgent money transfers
•Claims of being a foreigner, often military, doctor, or engineer
•Stories designed to create sympathy and obligation

Real Examples

•Dating app matches who quickly move conversations to WhatsApp, then request money
•"Foreign" partners asking for money to pay for travel visas to visit Kenya
•Fake military personnel claiming they need money to "process leave"
•Sextortion — threats to share intimate images unless money is sent

Other

Other types of scams

Warning Signs

•Any unsolicited request for money or personal information
•Deals that seem too good to be true
•Pressure tactics and artificial urgency
•Requests to keep the transaction secret

Real Examples

•Fake charity collections after disasters or emergencies
•Prize and lottery scams claiming you won a competition you never entered
•Fake insurance agents collecting premiums for non-existent policies
•Rental scams for properties the "landlord" doesn't own

Common Questions

What are the most common scam types in Kenya?

Common scam categories include M-PESA fraud, fake jobs, land scams, investment schemes, tender scams, online shopping fraud, romance scams, and impersonation attempts.

What details should I search before paying someone?

Search the phone number, Paybill, Till number, company name, website, email, and any name shown in M-PESA before sending money.

Can one report prove someone is a scammer?

No. A report is a community warning signal, not a legal finding. Multiple sourced or verified reports are stronger signals, but users should still verify independently.

Didn't find a report? Submit what happened.

If you encountered suspicious behavior, share the facts and any evidence so the community can review it. No existing reports does not prove an identifier is safe or suspicious.

Submit What Happened

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