The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested two men suspected to have defrauded Kenyans more than Ksh800,000.
In a statement, DCI stated that the two suspects obtained the money from unsuspecting Kenyans through job scams.
Moreover, DCI added that they would pretend to assist Kenyans in securing jobs in organizations asking for huge sums of money in return.
“Two suspects have been arrested by detectives for obtaining money from members of the public on the pretense that they would assist them in securing job opportunities,” the statement read in part.
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How DCI Arrested the Suspects
When arrested, DCI noted that they had already unlawfully taken Ksh800,000 from unsuspecting job seekers and were still continuing with their operation.
“They were arrested along Ngong Road, after defrauding unsuspecting members of the public of more than Ksh880,000,” the statement read in part.
Further, the directorate stated that the two suspects posed as employees of the Nairobi Water and sewage Company.
“The duo has been taking advantage of desperate Kenyans seeking employment by promising to offer them jobs in government agencies and state corporations.
According to DCI, the two were arrested moments before receiving an additional Ksh100,000 from a jobseeker who they had promised a permanent and pensionable position.
Moreover, DCI revealed that the duo had earlier jumped bail and were wanted by detectives for job scamming charges.
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“Upon interrogation, it was established that the miscreants are habitual fraudsters wanted by detectives based at Dandora after they previously jumped bail for a similar offense,” added the statement.
Job Scams in Kenya
Fraudsters have managed to swindle several jobseekers through elaborate schemes in the recent past, disguised as legitimate job opportunities.
A common red flag for job scams in Kenya is advertisements promising high salary packages while requiring little to no experience.
Fraudsters also tend to target fields perceived to have a lot of jobseekers, such as Administration, Accounts and Finance in government offices.
To avoid falling victim to such scams, it is important to undertake due diligence before applying for any opportunity.