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TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia brings over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
Kenyans continue to lose millions of shillings due to growing trends in cyber threats.
A Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) report showed that cybercrime increased to 1.7 million in 2023 from 700 million reported in 2022.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, technology expert Moses Kemibaro warned that the trends might escalate, urging individuals and organisations to be cautious and protect themselves from cybercrime.
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"In line with global trends, it is only going to escalate going forward. Individuals and organisations are always at risk and need to be proactive in protecting themselves from cyber threats. This is from software to practices that can help mitigate risks," said Kemibaro.
According to social media content expert Llewellyn Ouya, such risks could include job advertisements, online marketplaces, and digital asset investments.
Ouya shared a list of ten trending online scams below:
Some job adverts require applicants to pay for clearance from HELB and EACC.
Be cautious of job offers that ask you to pay money upfront for interviews or any other part of the application process.
Legitimate employers do not charge candidates for interviews or background checks.
Be wary of unsolicited emails from unknown senders, especially if they claim to be from foreign individuals.
If someone asks you to pay a fee to receive a package or facilitate a process, it’s likely a scam. Always verify the legitimacy of such requests before taking any action.
Scammers often create fake online shops on social media platforms, offering products at unbelievably low prices.
They ask for a deposit upfront, but once you pay, the shop disappears, and your money is gone. Always buy from reputable sellers and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Be cautious when connecting with people online, especially if they ask for booking or connection fees.
Some scammers pose as potential partners, but their real intention is to take your money. Always meet in public places and prioritize your safety.
Scammers may send texts claiming that rent details have changed and provide a new payment method.
Verify any such changes directly with your landlord or property management company. Avoid sending money based solely on a text message.
These schemes promise rewards (like money) after spinning a virtual wheel.
However, they often require you to share with friends, download apps, or complete other tasks before withdrawing. In the end, you might not receive anything substantial.
While some platforms do pay users for watching ads or videos, be cautious.
Verify the legitimacy of the platform and understand the terms before investing time.
Be wary of schemes that promise quick profits through cryptocurrency mining or binary options trading through bots.
Do thorough research and consult experts before investing.
Avoid platforms that promise daily interest on your deposits. Such schemes are often unsustainable and can lead to financial losses.
If someone drops money in front of you, be cautious, especially in Nairobi CBD.
Scammers might approach you, claiming you need to share the money or pay a fee to keep it.
Later, you realize the money in the envelope was fake. This is after sending money on M-Pesa to the person who approached you, saying you needed to share, but you did not bother to check.
Always verify the situation and avoid falling for such tricks.
Others will twist the story and tell you to give them money, or they will shout you are a thief and you have their envelope. You will just have to comply or risk mob justice.
Fake customer care calls: in which you are tricked into sharing your personal details and conned on M-Pesa.
Safaricom released a video advising M-Pesa users to be vigilant and offering tips to protect their money following reports of increased fraudulent activities on the platform.
The telco highlighted three key tips for securing M-Pesa accounts: do not share PINs, create unique PINs, and avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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