NewsExposed: Emerging Trend Exploiting Lonely Kenyans

Exposed: Emerging Trend Exploiting Lonely Kenyans

-

- Advertisment -spot_img
  • Kenyans opened up on how they have been targetted by phone scammers in the name of relationship seekers. The trend has always tried to rope in most men, with women rarely receiving text messages and calls. 

    Mniombe kesho niko on a date (Pray for me. I have a date tomorrow) with a Canadian Doctor working with the NGO and a Research Firm in Kenya. I will be representing you all,” one netizen known as Johnte tweeted on Thursday, August 20. 

    Others replied advising him not to reply nor meet the person as they were probably locals wooing lonely Kenyans, pretending to be foreigners who have lucrative jobs. 

    More netizens offered insight into the situation, detailing that others come in the name of bankers, hoteliers, engineers and all other professionals that appear easy to the eye and hard to debunk.

    Kenyan youth using a phone
    File

     kenyagist.com. reached out to several men who affirmed that indeed they have received numerous texts of ‘foreigners’ seeking relationships.

    Sample text

    The random texts sent out normally have face value depicted on them, with the scammer having full knowledge of what a lonely person is praying and dreaming for. 

    My name is Sarah. I am a Canadian doctor working with an NGO in Turkana, Kenya and I want to have a relationship with you. I am 30 years old seeking a man who wants to settle. Please call back. A text sample reads. 

    Scammers

    James, not his real name stated that he always blocks the senders and has never bothered to call back or respond. 

    “For me, I called the number and we spoke for two days. On the second day, I was called all the sweet names, from babe to honey and darling. I felt like I was on the moon. On the next day, the lady asked to visit my place and spend the night with me. This made me curious as it was so early and I had never met her. I called back and she asked me to send her Ksh, 5,000 for fuel. I, however, first cross-checked if her number was registered by sending some money and cancelling before the transaction takes place. It wasn’t,” one Chris stated.

    The gentleman added that he was introduced to a petrol station guy who asked him to send the number via a pay bill number. He declined after seeking advice from a few friends.

    Another victim stated that, for him, the lady who contacted him sent images on WhatsApp and a screenshot of a section of ‘looking for love’ printed on a local newspaper. However, the disclaimer on the paper reading ‘Get in touch and meet at your own risk’ discouraged him. 

    Relationship coach’s perspective

    Renowned motivational speaker and city pastor, Robert Burale, stated that he has also received the random texts and has advised a lot of men on the same too. Burale advised that such random texts should be treated as a red flag for scammers. The relationship guru went on to warn that men are easier targets as compared to women.

    “Men are curious and will tend to pursue the texting lady. Women have a tendency to ignore such texts. I also believe that traditionally, a man has to do the chasing and when a woman does it, it then raises some questions. 

    “The jobs quoted are the attractive factor to lure unsuspecting prey. Remember the predator doesn’t put age as a determining factor. This should act as a warning sign too,” Burale warned while speaking with kenyagist.com. 

    Crackdown on phone scammers

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) placed Kenyan scammers on its radar while warning that cybercrime is rising in the East African country. 

    An Interpol report dated August 14, detailed that online organised crime in Kenya and other African states is being motivated by digitisation which makes it easier for criminals to target unsuspecting prey. In 2019, over 250 Kenyans were arrested by the FBI for allegedly being part of cyber gangs. 

    The Directorate of Criminal Investigation has also escalated its war on scammers, making several arrests in the period between July and August. President Uhuru Kenyatta also directed agencies to narrow down on the notorious Kamiti Maximum Prison scammers who reach out to Kenyans through texts and phone calls. 

    Pastor Robert Burale.
    Pastor Robert Burale.
    File
  • Source: KENYAGIST.COM

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Latest news

    Ex-Govt Official in Ksh1.3 Billion Scandal Hospitalised After Court Release

    Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi is set to receive ongoing medical treatment at a hospital in the...

    Raila Allies Pile Pressure on Ruto as Talks Hit Dead End

    National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, a close ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga and a senior member of...

    'They’re Jealous of Me', Nakhumicha Over Recent Criticism

    Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health Susan Nakhumicha has strongly condemned the individuals criticising her over allegations of underperformance within...

    Court Orders City Lawyer Behind Ksh 283M Scam to Refund Loot

    The High Court on Thursday ordered a Nairobi lawyer to refund Ksh25 million he is accused of obtaining fraudulently. While...
    - Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

    How to Buy Cryptocurrency with M-Pesa in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide on Binance

    Are you a Kenyan interested in purchasing cryptocurrencies using M-Pesa? Although direct purchases of cryptocurrencies via M-Pesa are currently...

    How to Buy Bitcoin with M-Pesa in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide on Binance

    Are you a Kenyan interested in buying Bitcoin using M-Pesa? While there's currently no direct way to purchase Bitcoin...

    Must read

    Ex-Govt Official in Ksh1.3 Billion Scandal Hospitalised After Court Release

    Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi is set...

    Raila Allies Pile Pressure on Ruto as Talks Hit Dead End

    National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, a close ally...
    - Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

    You might also likeRELATED
    Recommended to you