The National Police Service (NPS) has warned the public against fake Facebook accounts created under the name of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kenya Police Service (KPS) Douglas Kanja.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 20, NPS clarified that the Facebook accounts do not belong to Kanja and should be ignored.
“We wish to caution the public against interacting with multiple fake accounts purporting to belong to the DIG-KPS Douglas Kanja,” the statement read in part.
NPS explained that the existing accounts are maintained by imposters with criminal intent to defraud unsuspecting Kenyans.
“Members of the public are urged to treat these posts as malicious and fake. Please note that DIG-KPS Mr. Kanja does not operate any social media account,” read the statement.
The public has been urged to report the fake accounts to Meta management.
Fake Police Boss Accounts
A search on FB by The Kenya Times established that there are over 13 fake accounts operating under the DIG’s name.
The account flagged by NPS posted an update asking Kenyans to turn up for the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) cadet jobs that were advertised on Tuesday, March 19.
In the post, the account owner stated that the exercise will run from 15th to 19th April at different recruitment centres.
“I wish to urge all unemployed youth nationwide who meet the requirements and are eager and passionate in serving our nation as KWS officers to turn up in large numbers on 15th April 2024 at the designated recruitment centres across the country to try their luck,” read the post.
“The process will be scheduled for 4 days from 15th April 2024 to 19th April 2024. Wishing you all the best. For more information you can check out from KWS recruitment portal 2024. God bless you all.”
KWS Recruitment
KWS announced the recruitment of 1,500 Cadets, Assistant Warden 150, and Rangers 1,350.
The recruitment exercise will take place from Monday April 15, 2024, to Friday April 19, 2024.
Candidates interested in becoming assistant wardens must be a citizen of Kenya, 28 years old and below, of good health and physique and have no criminal record.
They must also have a bachelor’s degree in specific fields and will undergo nine months mandatory paramilitary training if successful.
However, rangers should be aged between 18 and 26 years and possess a minimum mean grade of “D” (Plain) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.
They must also be physically and medically lit and have no criminal record.
Also Read: National Police Clarifies Reports on Police Recruitment Dates
How to Spot a Fake FB Account
1.Analyze Profile Picture
FB users can analyze the profile picture to verify whether an account is fake or not.
If it seems to be taken from a stock photo website or impersonates a public figure, or a celebrity, or seems anything but fishy, it can suggest that the account is fake.
When dealing with people you know, you could contact them directly to verify if they created the account.
2.Compare Profile Link and Profile Name
Facebook does not allow a person to frequently change their username in a specific period of time.
In case you come across an account whose profile name doesn’t match the profile link; it is highly likely that the account is fake.
Also Read: Police Inspector Defends Cops Who Take Bribes
3.Go Through the About Section
Genuine Facebook profiles have detailed information about the person, such as where they studied, their employment history, and other personal details.
However, if the profile is blank, incomplete, or has inaccurate information, it’s likely that the account is fake.
If any of the details seem inconsistent over time, it could be a clear red flag that the account is fake.
4.Posts and Timeline
Take a look through the posts of the account, fake accounts either have low activity level or they only post or share content that seems spammy or irrelevant.
