The DCI has warned Kenyans about dating, delivery and overseas employment scams.
The DCI warns Kenyans against sending money to strangers online and urges fraud victims to preserve evidence rather than seek revenge.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned Kenyans about three online scams involving romantic relationships, fake deliveries and overseas job offers.
In a statement, the agency raised concern over people losing money to strangers they meet online. It also warned that failed recovery attempts have led some victims to threaten others, engage in physical confrontations or destroy property.
How the three online scams work
In dating schemes, fraudsters build romantic relationships with victims before asking them to send money. The requests involve transport costs or other expenses linked to the promised meeting.
Meanwhile, fake delivery schemes target people buying goods or services advertised online. Victims pay, but the sellers never deliver the promised items or provide the services.
The third scheme targets Kenyans looking for employment abroad. Fraudsters use false overseas job offers to demand money for supposed recruitment and processing services.
Because these approaches involve requests for money from online contacts, the DCI urged Kenyans to verify who they are dealing with. It also advised the public to check the legitimacy of offers before making payments, rather than trusting people they barely know.
Criminal penalties and advice for victims
The DCI warned that deliberately obtaining money through deception constitutes obtaining money by false pretences. Under Section 313 of the Penal Code, the offence carries a prison term of up to three years.
Online fraud cases could also attract charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. However, the applicable charges depend on the circumstances surrounding each offence.
The agency cautioned victims against taking the law into their own hands when efforts to recover money fail. It specifically warned against threats, assault, trespassing and damage to property during such disputes.
Instead, anyone who suspects fraud should keep payment records and conversations with the suspected fraudster. The DCI urged victims to report incidents to law enforcement through the proper channels, using that evidence to support their complaints.
