Mobile phone users in Kenya face an increasing risk of falling victim to scams, with criminals using fake calls, text messages, and mobile money schemes to target unsuspecting victims.
A 2025 World Bank report ranked Kenya as the second-most exposed country to mobile phone scams among 10 Sub-Saharan African nations.
Nearly half (49%) of mobile phone users reported receiving at least one fraudulent call or text message over the course of the year, with scammers typically attempting to trick them into sending money or disclosing sensitive personal information.
The report found that 2% of those contacted by scammers fell victim and transferred money, while 47% recognized the fraud and did not engage.
In contrast, 51% of mobile phone users reported not encountering any scam calls or messages during the same period.
Phone Scams Every Kenyan Should Know About
According to Safaricom, fraudsters are using a range of tactics to target mobile phone users, with many scams designed to create fear, urgency, or curiosity to steal money or personal information.
Some of the most common scams include:
- Extortion messages: Fraudsters send threatening text messages, falsely claiming the recipient has committed an offence or is in danger unless they pay money.
- Curiosity texts: These messages use clickbait or sensational claims about a person’s private life to persuade them to respond or pay for supposed information.
- False emergency scams: Scammers fabricate emergencies involving a relative or friend and pressure victims to send money immediately before verifying the claims.
- Fake job offers: Victims receive calls or messages advertising non-existent employment opportunities and are asked to pay application, registration or processing fees.
- Fake international payment scams: Fraudsters send forged notifications purporting to confirm an international money transfer or payment for goods. They then contact the victim and convince them to send money to facilitate the release or clearance of the funds or cargo, only for the payment to disappear.
Other Ways Fraudsters Use Mobile Phones To Commit Fraud
Nairobi Connect also warns that fake loan and investment apps are increasingly being used to defraud Kenyans seeking quick credit or investment opportunities.
The fraudulent apps typically promise instant loans or guaranteed returns on small investments before asking users to pay an upfront processing or registration fee.
Once the payment is made, the scammers disappear, leaving victims without the promised loan or investment.
According to Nairobi Connect, users should be cautious of platforms that are not licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), or that pressure them to invest immediately.
Legitimate digital lenders are regulated by the CBK and do not require upfront fees before disbursing loans.
Online Shopping
According to Scam Buster KE, fake online shopping scams remain among the most common ways fraudsters target unsuspecting buyers.
In these scams, criminals create fake online stores or social media pages that advertise products at heavily discounted prices.
After receiving payment—often via M-PESA sent to a personal phone number—they either fail to deliver the goods or disappear altogether.
The platform advises shoppers to watch for unusually low prices, requests to pay via personal M-PESA numbers instead of official Paybill or Till numbers, businesses with no physical address or verifiable registration, and newly created social media accounts with few followers but numerous posts claiming successful sales.
These are common warning signs that a seller may be fraudulent.
Also Read: CMA Flags New Wave of Scammers Targeting Kenyan Investors
Scam Buster KE also cautions Kenyans against romance scams, where fraudsters create fake online identities to build emotional relationships before asking for money.
The scammers often try to gain a victim’s trust quickly, profess strong feelings within a short period, and avoid video calls or in-person meetings. Once a relationship is established, they typically fabricate financial emergencies and request urgent money transfers.
According to the platform, common warning signs include a partner who claims to be working abroad—often as a soldier, doctor, or engineer—who avoids face-to-face interactions and repeatedly shares emotional stories designed to gain sympathy and pressure victims into sending money.
Also Read: 10 Most Common Cases of Scams Reported by Kenyans in 2025
How to Avoid Being Scammed
According to Nairobi Connect, mobile phone users can reduce their risk of falling victim to scams by following a few basic safety measures.
The platform advises users never to pay a fee to receive money or activate a withdrawal, and to verify Paybill and Till numbers before making any payments, especially for rent or utility bills.
It also recommends downloading mobile apps only from trusted developers with positive user reviews, using a strong M-PESA PIN, and enabling additional security features where available.
Nairobi Connect further encourages users to report suspicious calls and text messages to Safaricom by sending an SMS to 333 or dialing *333#.
Suspected fraud can also be reported to the Communications Authority of Kenya or through the eCitizen Online Crime Support platform for further investigation.
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