The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday, April 18, unravelled a new trend of mobile phone scam schemes targeting Kenyans.
In a statement, the agency noted that the scammers hacked Kenyans' phones and social media accounts before reaching out to the victim's friends and families requesting money.
According to the DCI, the scammers asked for money to buy things like food and other emergency needs. The hackers often align their money requests with trending offers like Terrific Tuesday.
Those who got the unsuspecting messages are then compelled to send the money to the number directed by the scammers.
Consequently, the DCI urged Kenyans to exercise caution about the new trend even as Kenyans were advised and always call their loved ones to ascertain the message sent to them before sending any money.
"Scammers are recently hacking people's accounts and then sending random messages to friends and relatives asking for money.
"If your person sends that random text asking for pizza money today, hit their dial to confirm you are sending money to the legit one," read the statement in part.
Following the revelation of the DCI, Kenyans who had been affected by the new scheme shared their ordeal with a number revealing that they had lost a lot of money.
"Four numbers on my WhatsApp account were asking me for money promising to refund me earlier that week and when I looked at their profiles, it was people I knew.
"When I tried to call them, none of the numbers were going through. I also know a friend who was defrauded," Alex Maingi recounted.
Others also called on the agency to arrest those who had been reported to have used the trick to swindle innocent Kenyans.
"I wish you had revealed this earlier, I was asked for Ksh3,500 but I only had Ksh300 with me. Though I may have slept hungry, I am glad I did not lose that much," Sevvy Ace stated.
If affected, Kenyans can report such cases to the police at 0800 722 203.
