Online fraud in Kenya has reached alarming levels, and a shocking new case exposes how social media scammers are robbing unsuspecting customers while posing as genuine businesses.
A whistleblower has come forward to detail how a group operating under the name Gadget 254 has perfected a system of deception—duping innocent buyers with convincing posts, fake promises, and well-rehearsed lies.
What appears to be a normal online transaction quickly turns into a nightmare, leaving victims counting losses and battling despair.
Inside the Gadget 254 Deception Scheme
Gadget 254 presents itself as a legitimate electronics retailer. Their Facebook page, Gadget Store, and Instagram handle, @xuk_gadgets, are filled with attractive offers that appear genuine. They even list a professional-looking website, https://tinyurl.com/ytj8597f, to build credibility.
They post flashy deals daily, often featuring popular gadgets like televisions, soundbars, and phones. The scam starts when an interested customer makes an inquiry.
The so-called sales and stores manager, “Abdi,” reached via +254 795 693174, responds promptly and confidently, assuring quick delivery from their alleged store in Nairobi’s Industrial Area. However, that’s where the truth ends and deception begins.
How the Gadget 254 Fraud Unfolds
Once a deal is struck, Abdi confirms the item’s availability and requests full payment upfront. Victims are told that the goods will be shipped immediately through Wells Fargo courier services. To reinforce the illusion, Abdi claims the package has been dispatched and provides a driver’s number, 0712 639835.
But the driver never answers calls. When pressed, Abdi invents stories—a damaged package, a frightened driver, or a new delivery on the way. Soon after, he demands additional payments, claiming that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has held the item for VAT clearance.
He sends fabricated VAT receipts and promises release once payment is made. When the customer complies, Abdi disappears. Phone calls go unanswered, messages are ignored, and the buyer is blocked on all Gadget 254 pages.
The Whistleblower’s Painful Experience
The whistleblower behind this revelation lost over Ksh 100,000 in the elaborate scam. After being promised a television set, he was led through weeks of empty assurances and false updates. When he demanded a refund, Abdi agreed—on condition that the request be made via email.
That email, [email protected], never responded. Every follow-up went unanswered, and the refund never came. Eventually, the victim was completely cut off, realizing too late that Gadget 254 was never a business, but a digital trap.
Even worse, the fraudulent team maintained an active social media presence, continuing to lure more victims with polished graphics, attractive discounts, and persuasive language. The absence of customer reviews or physical verification was the only red flag—one that many ignored.
The Growing Threat of Social Media Scams
The Gadget 254 case highlights a growing wave of social media theft in Kenya. Fraudsters have learned to mimic authentic online stores so well that even cautious shoppers fall victim. These criminals exploit the trust built through visually convincing pages, sponsored posts, and responsive chats to collect quick cash.
Cybercrime experts warn that such cases are rising, especially with online purchases becoming part of everyday life. Many victims, ashamed or hopeless, never report the crimes, making it difficult for authorities to track the perpetrators.
Law enforcement agencies are now being urged to investigate Gadget 254 and similar digital syndicates that thrive on deception. Every phone number, website, and social media handle linked to these scams is part of a broader network designed to vanish after every con.
Final Word
The story of Gadget 254 is not just a personal tragedy but a national concern. It exposes how sophisticated online thugs hide behind fake business fronts, robbing Kenyans of their hard-earned money. The whistleblower’s courage in telling this story should serve as a wake-up call to everyone engaging in online shopping.
Before sending money, verify the business, demand physical proof, and check for real customer reviews. The internet can be a market of opportunities—but for the careless, it’s also a marketplace of loss.
