This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
Published on November 26, 2019, a Toyota Noah (reg no. KBL 247X) with the branding of Sunrise Global Tec. Communication has been spotted in various locations in downtown Nairobi, including the corner of Latema Road and Tom Mboya Street, outside Odeon Cinema, and Moi Avenue's Railways Roundabout.
The vehicle has become synonymous with a prize scam that continues to deceive many Nairobians. The crowd around the vehicle pose as 'sales agents' who lure unsuspecting victims into buying scratch cards with 'free' prizes.
However, there's always a catch. Once the prize 'won' is revealed, the 'winner' is required to pay a small fee before being taken to the vehicle to redeem it. This is when the scammer disappears, leaving the victim with a fake product or no prize at all.
The taxi operators at Ambassadeur Hotel have repeatedly complained about these fraudsters, but no assistance has been forthcoming from the authorities. The scammers have even attempted to kick them out of the location, but they keep coming back.
According to unconfirmed reports, the racketeers seem to enjoy protection from the police, who often turn a blind eye to their activities.
Along the same streets, another con game thrives, known as 'mchezo wa pata potea.' This game involves players betting on the 'right' card from a collection of three placed facing downwards on a makeshift table.
While it may seem like an easy way to make or double your cash, the gamblers who run this trade will let you win the first few rounds until you feel confident enough to bet a bigger amount. That's when you get swindled.
