Online scams in Kenya come in various forms, including phishing scams on Whatsapp and facebook, Mpesa fraud, job scams, and job fee scams. Understanding these common types is the first step in protecting yourself. I am not going to be nice when talking about this because most people fall victims out of being silly, greedy, ignorant and thoughtless.

1. Use Two-Factor Authentication and Strong Passwords

Creating strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts is crucial, from facebook to google accounts because this is where most scammers get access to your other accounts. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters to make your passwords harder to guess.

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, requiring not just a password but also a second piece of information, like a code sent to your phone. This significantly reduces the chances of being hacked.

2. Beware of Phishing Emails and Messages

Phishing attempts often mimic legitimate business accounts and people. Always scrutinize the sender’s email address and look for signs of suspicious language and of course the biggest factor being that you’ve never communicated with the business in the first place.

If you receive a message that prompts you to click a link or provide personal information, just delete the message from your inbox.

3. Research and Cross-Check

When approached with offers that seem too good to be true, especially in your DMs or when you see Instagram or Facebook ads for goods, take the time to research the business. Look for reviews, ask your friends too and check any reports of scams associated with them and if you find conflicting details, consider it a huge red flag.

Again, if an item is too cheap compared to the current market value, you should consider it a redflag. Often times such cheap deals ask you to pay half the deposit or pay delivery fees, only for them to block you immediately you pay.

So…?

1. Don’t be greedy

If you did not play a game why do you imagine you’ve won? Let be led by greed as most people are conned thinking they’re smarter than the scammers themselves

2. Free Money? Where?

The scam messages going around about “adding Fuliza” are just that scams. You will give out your pin and these fraudsters will take even a bigger loan using your number and you’ll cry that you’ve been conned when its you who voluntarily gave your details. Plus why do you want to add more problems in your life with more Fuliza?

Overall you just need to use commonsense to keep yourself safe from scams and especially those concerning Mpesa and Banks, no bank or Mpesa agent will ever call you to ask for your pin number or any security questions.

PS. if you send huge amounts of money to the village mpesa agent to give your parents, there is a high chance that they steal from the amount you send. Check and confirm.

There’s always a new method of conning you and scams, let me know about the new ones in the comments!