The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has raised an alarm over the surge in individuals posing as the agency’s officials to scam unsuspecting business owners.
In a Monday, January 15 notice, KEBS noted that these impostors target retail environments, including shops, supermarkets, and hardware stores.
According to the product regulator, the scammers approach business owners in the pretense of being affiliated with KEBS.
However, when confronted, the public notice reveals that the imposters change their narrative, saying they are part of a ‘multi-agency team.
“When confronted, they often alter their claim, suggesting they are part of a ‘multi-agency’ team.
“There have also been reports of these imposters engaging in extortion activities with traders,” reads the notice in part.
KEBS Issues Precautions to Avoid Scammers
To counteract this growing issue, the agency has issued a set of precautions for the public to follow.
For instance, KEBS has advised the public to verify staff card and national identification from anyone purporting to come from the agency.
“Authenticate KEBS Officers by always asking for the Staff card and National ID. Send an SMS with the format HR #Staff Number to 20023 (e.g., HR#0000).
“You will receive a confirmation message with details, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards’ HR Number, staff’s name, position, ID number, and status,” the notice states.
Furthermore, the agency advises that in cases where business owner encounter suspicious individuals or activities, or in need of any assistance, they should contact the government agency through various channels during working hours.
The channels include the toll-free line 1545, phone number 0206948000 and email info@kebs.org
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In the notice, KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari urged both members of the public and traders to stay vigilant and provide any information that may be used to stop these scammers.
“Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us maintain integrity and service quality,” she noted.
Authentication of the Agency Quality Marks
Likewise, the agency provides a step-by-step guide to verifying authenticity of their quality marks.
“Verify the authenticity of KEBS quality marks by use of the KEBS Official Mobile App or sending a text to 20023: SM#Permit Number/ISM#UCRNumber/ DM#Permit Number,” the statement reads in part.
The agency routinely conducts raids on different business premises to ensure that the goods being sold are of the prescribed quality.
This is why it is important to to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an official of KEBS.
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Additionally, business owners and consumers alike were urged to stay informed, follow the provided precautions, and report any suspicious activities promptly to the government agency.