The holidays are a time when most Kenyans fall to fraudulent schemes in part orchestrated by seasoned conmen as well as amateur fraudsters out to make a living.
From get-rich-quick schemes to mobile money scams and untrustworthy friends, fraudsters have widened the net of their subjects and often make a killing every festive season.
Kenyans.co.ke compiled a list of top 5 scams to avoid over the holidays;
Get Rich Quick Schemes
Most scammers know that Kenyans spend a lot over the holidays leaving them broke and vulnerable.
You should avoid people proposing to you get rich quick schemes. The schemes usually involve investing seed capital in a relatively unknown venture with promises of quick returns.
Free/Cheap Rides
Most Kenyans travel to different destinations over the holiday season. This results to most public transport vehicles being fully booked.
Scammers take this advantage to offer free or cheap rides. Once you enter into the car, you are robbed of your belongings and can get injured or lose your life.
Free Drinks
Scammers frequent drinking spots over the holidays to target unsuspecting revelers.
Do not accept free drinks as they could be spiked. Once drugged you can be robbed and assaulted.
Mobile money scams
Many people will be transacting huge volumes of cash over the holidays and with many financial institutions closed, scammers will target Kenyans.
Scammers know that with most institutions closed, it takes time before someone can regain control of their accounts once compromised.
Do not disclose your mobile money details to anyone even if they claim to be from your service provider.
Needy friends/Acquaintances
Many friends after spending their savings devise ways to con their close circle.
They will call with a convincing story that they are in deep trouble and need urgent cash.
If someone tells you they are in trouble, ask for their location so that you can come over or send someone to check on them.
