This archive report was first published on 3 August 2020.
On August 3, 2020, police reports revealed a surge in cases of Nairobi residents losing large sums of money in a new street promotion scam.
The scam, controlled by a powerful syndicate, sees unsuspecting Nairobians lured by supposed promotions, merchandise, and branded vehicles.
The syndicate uses branding similar to that of major, recognizable firms in areas including TV subscription and communication, making it easier for the fraudsters to draw their targets in.
Notably, they operate in large groups, setting up with merchandise that includes electronics or promotional material.
Phones confiscated from street fraudsters in Nairobi in a recent operation
File
Once the targets are convinced, they are asked to deposit a small sum via mobile money as a supposed registration fee.
As the target transfers the fee, they discreetly obtain mobile money PINs, which are crucial to their next step.
They will offer assistance to activate your account for the reward scheme or promotion, and in this time, they transfer all the funds to their accounts and ensure evidence of the transactions is cleared.
Worryingly, key players behind the syndicate have been arrested before in different law enforcement operations only to be quietly released after.
A police source claimed that the fraudsters were protected by compromised senior police officers and county government officials.
Residents are advised to be cautious particularly with their personal information to avoid falling prey to the scam on city streets.
Phones used in a promotion in Nairobi pictured after a recent Police operation
File
