While many frauds and scams are documented by mainstream and government media, some scams receive less attention, such as promotion scams.

Promotion scams are prevalent on Facebook and WhatsApp. They involve fraudsters impersonating someone else or creating fake popular pages to spread false promotions and loans. Commonly exploited entities include the Kenyan First Family, Citizen TV, UTV, Jiffy Pictures, Inua Jamii, Anita UTV, UNICEF, USAID, and more.

All these Promotions scams are perpetrated by the same people, same script but different names. Some even get confused and Make the scams so obvious

Martin Mbucho

Targets and Victims of Promotions Scam

The following are the targets of the promotions scam:

1. Celebrities: These are individuals who have a public presence in the media, such as politicians, actors, journalists, or influencers. Scammers might create fake pages or profiles and some even national ids pretending to be them to exploit their followers or impersonate them for malicious purposes.
2. Humanitarian Entities: Organizations or groups dedicated to humanitarian causes, like charities or relief organizations, are often impersonated to deceive people into donating money or providing personal information for fraudulent purposes.
3. Famous TV Shows: Popular television shows, especially those with a large fanbase, may have fan pages or actor profiles that scammers use to impersonate the show’s creators or cast members. This can be used to spread misinformation or to trick fans into revealing personal information and sending money.
4. Fans: Individuals who are fans of celebrities, TV shows, or other popular media may be targeted through fake pages or posts that appear to be related to their interests. Scammers use these platforms to engage fans and potentially exploit their trust or curiosity.
5. Insecure Individuals: Scammers often target vulnerable individuals who may be more susceptible to manipulation, such as those who are experiencing financial difficulties, have low literacy levels, or are easily swayed by promises of easy money or solutions to their problems.
6. WhatsApp Users: With the popularity of messaging apps like WhatsApp, scammers may employ various tactics, such as hacking profiles or using deceptive online forms disguised as legitimate links, to gain access to personal information or to spread malware to unsuspecting users.

The Different ways Promotion Scammers operates

It is very easy to locate a promotion scammer in Kenya, it is as easy as searching Foundation promotion on Facebook search bar, all the results are posts posted by scammers and scammer pages.

Method 1:

Posting a trivial question with prizes on Facebook pages is a common tactic used by scammers. This approach is frequently observed on fake fan pages of popular shows and fraudulent relief fund pages. An example of this method can be seen in the screenshot provided below.

After a Facebook user comments on the question with an answer, the scammer directs them to switch to WhatsApp or provides a compromised link to a form. This form typically requests personal information, which the scammer then exploits for malicious purposes.

Method 2

A scammer shares a testimonial claiming to have received a certain amount from a promotion. They also provide a link to chat or fill out a form, supposedly to enable others to win similar rewards. An example of such a scam is illustrated below:

Method 3

Scammers initiate contact through their accounts (Facebook, WhatsApp or text) , sometimes altering profile pictures to resemble someone from your contacts or an internet friend. They may also use hacked accounts of your friends. They begin with a testimonial claiming the legitimacy of a promotion. Subsequently, they may share an online form or a chat link to proceed with the scam.

The most popular Promotion Scams In Kenya

The Charlene Ruto Foundation Promotion

The Charlene Ruto Foundation Promotion is Fake. According to the Media, Charlene Ruto who has an official Website, has also warned Kenyans about people using her name to scam, She does not have a Promotion where She asks people to pay registration fees to be granted a Loan or Cash Prizes.

We are all the same Promotion

A Scammer said in chat when confronted him about the name of the promotion they were peddling

On Facebook, there’s an account under the name Hon Okingo Benson, which, an hour before I started writing this post, had a suspicious post claiming, “kumbe hii Charlene promotion gift is true nimepata yangu pia thanks.” The post goes on to advise people on how to contact them, where they use pre-written messages where they would copy and paste when chatting with Victims.

Upon investigating, the scammer behind this account seemed confused about the name of the promotion. Their WhatsApp profile picture showed Charlene Ruto, labeled as SMACHS FOUNDATION. During our chat, they initially asked how I heard about the UNICEF Africa Foundation, then congratulated me for choosing the NGO/UNICEF PROMOTION Foundation. They proceeded to send a list of prizes and registration fees required to win The Charlene Foundation. After selecting, they provided an Mpesa number belonging, supposedly, to a secretary.

The Fake Citizen TV promotions (Jabali, Becky, Sultana)

The fake promotions known as Jabali, Becky, and Sultana are all scams. They utilize the Fan Pages method, operating through fake fan pages where they post trivial questions and fabricated winning testimonials. They also resort to WhatsApp and Facebook hacking to send messages through inbox, making it appear as if they were sent by a friend whose account was hacked. If you receive a message on WhatsApp or Facebook from someone you know personally, claiming they won a large sum of money from these shows, ask them to call or send a text message using their phone number. If they fail to do so, it’s likely a scam.

It’s important to note that none of Citizen’s shows or presenters offer prizes through advertising on fan pages.

The Fake USAID and UNICEF promotions

USAID and UNICEF are renowned for aiding people in various ways, including providing relief funds. However, they do not operate through unverified pages, nor do they request money to process a grant or hold lotteries or competitions with monetary prizes.

On Facebook, numerous pages suggest otherwise, claiming to represent USAID and UNICEF and promoting fake promotions and grants. These pages are created by scammers and are fraudulent. Any promotions attributed to UNICEF and USAID on Facebook or WhatsApp are fake and should not be trusted. Avoid paying money or following them.

Fake Safaricom and Airtel Bundles Heist

A few years back, there was a trend where people utilized proxy and VPN services to stream and browse the internet for free, exploiting what seemed like an error in the Kenyan network systems. Users would simply install VPN apps and set up free internet access using configuration files.

While these practices were widespread, there was also a phenomenon dubbed the “Bundles Heist” or the “Safaricom Heist,” where scammers claimed to sell bundles at unbeatable prices, such as 15GB for Kes 200 with no expiry. Unfortunately, I fell victim to this scam from someone I had saved as Maleek in my contacts.

However, Safaricom eventually fixed the loophole that allowed for free bundles. Despite this, scammers continue to lure unsuspecting users with offers of cheap bundles. But in reality, those Cheap Safaricom, Airtel and Telcom bundles are a scam. Do not fall for them.

The “I can Increase your Fuliza Limit” Scam

While not a traditional promotion scam, the “I Can Increase Your Fuliza Limit” scheme is also a scam. Fuliza, a valuable product by Safaricom, is strictly controlled by the company, and no one else can alter your limits. If someone claims they can increase your Fuliza limit, they’re trying to scam you. Ignore the screenshots they provide, as these can easily be manipulated. To increase your Fuliza limit, simply make more transactions on your line—there’s no need to pay someone for this. This scam has been documented on popular Kenyan media websites, and Safaricom has warned Kenyans not to fall for it.

The Inua Jamii loan and Grant Promotion

While the Inua Jamii Foundation established by the government has gained popularity over the years, it’s essential to note that not all entities named “Inua Jamii” are legitimate. Specifically, the Inua Jamii Promotion on Facebook is a scammer group. They operate advertise loans, grants, Competitions where one must pay to win.

As a Kenyan, it’s crucial not to fall for the tactics of this deceitful group, regardless of the amounts they’re asking for or the promises they’re making. Remember, the Inua Jamii Foundation promotion on Facebookr is a scam. Stay vigilant and avoid becoming a victim.

The Mo Dewji Foundation promotion

Although not prevalent in Kenya, the Mo Dewji Foundation promotion is a narrative exploited by scammers. They claim this promotion is sponsored by a Kenyan company, Royal Media Services, which owns Citizen TV. However, this promotion is a scam primarily targeting Tanzanians. Do not become a victim of this deception. Stay vigilant.

The Anita UTV promotion Scam

The Anita UTV promotion is another scam, primarily targeting Facebook users with trivial questions and involving Facebook/WhatsApp hacking. We have previously documented this scam at Mwash Cyber.

How to Avoid being a Victim of Promotions Scams in Kenya

Preventing scams in Kenya doesn’t solely rely on the media; every Kenyan can play a part in safeguarding themselves. We’ve outlined some best practices to prevent falling victim to scams in Kenya:

1. Use Google as Your Friend: Many scams can be verified or debunked through a simple Google search. By searching for information about promotions or suspicious messages, you can avoid potential scams. There are also many others sharing their experiences online to help keep you cyber-secure.
2. Avoid Commenting on Stranger’s Questions in Facebook Groups: Be cautious when engaging with strangers in Facebook groups, especially when they pose seemingly nonsensical questions with promises of rewards. These are often ploys to lure unsuspecting users into scams.
3. Avoid Sending Money at Night: Scammers often operate at night when people are more vulnerable and less vigilant. Refrain from making financial transactions during late hours to minimize the risk of falling prey to scams.
4. Verify Promotions with Friends: If you receive messages about promotions from friends, take the extra step to call and verify the information directly with them. This simple precaution can prevent you from falling for scams where your friend’s account may have been compromised.
5. Avoid Sharing Your Contact Information: Keep your contact information private, unless necessary. Avoid sharing it with strangers or unknown entities to reduce the likelihood of being targeted by scammers.
6. Exercise Caution with Links: Avoid clicking on links sent by strangers or from sources you don’t trust. Clicking on compromised links is a common method used by scammers to gain access to personal information or hack accounts.
7. Subscribe to the Mwash Cyber Newsletter: Stay informed about common scams and how to avoid them by subscribing to the Mwash Cyber newsletter. Receive the latest updates and tips to help you, your friends, and family stay safe from scams.

By following these best practices and remaining vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams in Kenya.

What to do when scammed in Kenya

While it’s impossible to prevent every scam, there are best practices to follow if you get scammed in Kenya:

1. Report the Case to the Nearest Police Station: The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya is renowned for tracking criminals and apprehending them. Reporting the scam to the police can aid in the investigation and potential apprehension of the scammer. For instance, a notable case involved the arrest of an individual impersonating former Nairobi Governor Gideon Mbuvi.
2. Report the Accounts to Social Media Platforms: Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have features to report accounts that violate their policies. You can report such accounts for “Pretending to be someone else,” “Spam,” or “Possible Scam.” While this may not immediately solve the scam, it can prevent others from falling victim to the same scam if the social media platforms take action against the scammer.
3. Share Information About the Scammer: By commenting below on scammer posts and providing information, you can alert others to the scam. Additionally, sharing information about the scammer with your close relatives and friends can prevent them from falling victim to the scam as well. Collaborative efforts like these can help spread awareness and protect others from similar scams.

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