A section of Kenyans has raised concerns about the resurgence of fraudsters who are once again targeting car dealers across different parts of the country.
Despite using different names, these fraudsters employ similar techniques to deceive Kenyans.
Their modus operandi involves the fraudsters posing as car buyers and targeting sellers by advertising vehicles for sale online.
Interested sellers who contact them are led into agreements on the purchase, discussing details like price, car condition, and collection arrangements.
Once a deal is struck, the fraudster claims they will personally go to view the car and close the deal.
"Good morning, I'm now starting my journey coming to view the vehicle. Let's keep in touch, regards," reads a viral message shared by one of the victims online.
However, shortly after, they contact the buyer with a fabricated story, stating that they have hit cows while on their way to the delivery and that an angry mob is now threatening to descend on them and torch the car unless they are compensated for the incident.
This, of course, is a complete hoax. The buyer then manipulates the seller into sending them money to resolve the supposed issue.
The amount requested typically ranges from 150,000 to Ksh450,000 or even more.
To further convince the buyer, the fraudster sends a picture of a slightly damaged car and cows lying on the road, attempting to add credibility to their deceit.
Once the unsuspecting seller sends the money, the fraudster immediately cuts off all communication, leaving the victim empty-handed and without any means of recourse.
This is not the first time Kenyans are falling prey to such cons. Authorities have previously warned Kenyans over the existence of this crop of fraudsters targeting unsuspecting Kenyans.
In April 2022, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) made a breakthrough by arresting an ex-Kamiti Prison convict involved in the same car dealer scam.
The DCI team from Lang'ata successfully recovered several SIM cards, laptops, and mobile phones, all of which were used by the suspect to deceive and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
