A tenant residing in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 13, exposed a cunning tactic used by scammers who pose as landlords to steal from tenants.
The deceptive scheme involved the con artist sending a message to unsuspecting tenants indicating new modes of payment for rent.
In addition, the message is sent during the first week of the month at a time when the deadline for paying rent is due. One of the victims lamented online that they paid Ksh16,000 to the conmen minutes after receiving the text.
"Dear Tenant, effective from June 8, 2023, all rent payments should be paid to our new bank account (Details withheld). Cash or any other mode of payment will not be accepted," read part of the message sent.
Other victims also highlighted their circumstances, indicating how the scams had increasingly become sophisticated - hence making it crucial for tenants to stay alert.
"I made a similar mistake at the time. since then, I call to confirm before conducting any transactions," lamented a former victim.
"I also got the text and was wondering why I would be prompted to pay rent at my own house?" Wondered a homeowner.
Following the incident, the local bank revealed that it had suspended the account. The conversation also brought into light the role that landlords play in such incidents.
Expert's Touch
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Collins Maroa, a Chacha Real Estate Company realtor revealed tips that landlords could use safeguard tenants' cash.
"Landlords have the option to hire a managing agent or implement a robust online system that is able to account for all transactions.
"The system should be incorporated with banks and mobile money accounts hence any time you make a transaction, you receive a pop-up notification," he stated.
Maroa added that upon receiving the message, tenants should call the landlord for verification purposes before sending any amount. He also highlighted that tenants who normally pay to a private number incur the biggest risk of falling into the scam.
The new system, however, can provide accountability and become record-keeping storage for future reference.
"This has been a cause for concern, so there's a need to solve the issue. Find a robust system that incorporates all the components for accountability," he indicated.
