As Kenyans continue to find ways to make ends meet amid harsh economic conditions, some unscrupulous traders have devised fraudulent ways to con unsuspecting customers.
A significant number of customers falling victim to scams are often in a rush along highways. Many Kenyans have a habit of purchasing one or two items while traveling, either for personal use or as gifts for their loved ones.
The goods range from food items, souvenirs, and other household items like furniture. This spontaneous shopping has led to more traders flocking highways and major roads in an attempt to make sales.
However, some buyers have been left reeling after buying substandard goods and getting abysmal services.
Recently, Kenyans complained of being sold painted avocados sold at Kaharati market in Murang'a county. Some traders have picked up this habit to hoodwink customers into buying unripe or spoilt avocados.
Consumers expressed concerns over the paint used on the fruits observing that it may pose a danger to their health.
Police, however arrested the culprits vowing to apprehend others involved in the dishonest trade. The authorities urged the traders not to soil the market's good reputation.
In another instance, Kenyans have raised concerns about purchasing partially filled buckets (debes) of potatoes from roadside vendors. Numerous victims have reported that these traders employ a deceptive strategy by arranging the potatoes on the rim of the bucket, creating the illusion of a full container.
The traders often insist on packing the potatoes to ensure the customer does not bust the con.
Similarly, some traders mix potato with avocado seeds. Customers have complained that they end up paying for more seeds than potatoes.
Some of the customers add that this is common at night when it's dark when they have little time to verify quality and quantity.
Another con that unscruplous traders have perfected is deceptively packing eggs on the sides of the tray. With several egg trays stacked together, the customer may not suspect foul play.
To avoid such losses, customers are advised to thoroughly inspect each tray.
Conclusively another common scheme used by traders mostly on highways is refilling tap water in branded water bottles.
Customers are convinced to buy the best brand on the market only to realise that the water may have been refilled from a questionable source.
One of the risks associated with this is consuming contaminated water that is not properly treated.
Also, the customer may not know where the water bottle was sourced from thus increasing the risk of contracting various waterborne diseases.
These scams are detrimental to the business owner as some lose loyal customers in the long run. They also risk arrest for selling substandard goods.
