The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has warned Kenyans to be cautious of scammers attempting to steal money through fake auctions.
This follows the circulation of a poster, allegedly from KRA, inviting Kenyans to a motor vehicle auction on February 14, 2025.
The fake invitation required all interested bidders to pay a non-refundable registration fee and submit personal identification documents, such as an ID or passport, to a provided WhatsApp number.
The notice further claimed that once a bidder paid the registration fee, they would receive a unique code granting them access to the auction site and reserving a spot.
The fake notice also warned that late registrations would not be allowed and claimed that the auction would strictly adhere to the laws and regulations governing public auctions in Kenya.
In a clarification tweet, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to such scams, emphasizing that it does not charge any registration fees.
"Beware of fraudsters! KRA does not charge any registration fee for vehicle auctions. If someone asks for money upfront, it's a scam," KRA warned.
The authority further advised Kenyans to verify auction details through official KRA platforms to avoid financial losses to fraudsters.
To participate in legitimate KRA auctions, bidders must log in using their iTax portal credentials (PIN and password) to access items available for bidding.
As per KRA’s policies on the disposal of unserviceable motor vehicles, bidders are required to pay a refundable deposit.
KRA further clarified that declared purchasers must deposit 25 per cent of the purchase price into the designated KRA bank account by the close of business on the auction day, with the remaining balance payable within seven days.
Failure to comply will result in the forfeiture of all payments, including the deposit.
Meanwhile, KRA has given Kenyans up to February 21, 2025, to review and comment on the Draft 2024 Tax Regulations for unassembled Motor Vehicles & Trailers and Motorcycles.
