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Kenya Battles Rising Mobile Phone Scams: Stay Safe With These Tips

Fraudulent calls and messages are on the rise in Kenya. Here's how to verify bank agents and stay safe.

There is an identity card of some person working as a travel blogger.
There is an identity card of some person working as a travel blogger.

Kenya Battles Rising Mobile Phone Scams: Stay Safe With These Tips

Kenya is grappling with a surge in fraudulent activities, with mobile phone scams becoming increasingly common. Small business owner Jane in Nairobi recently avoided falling victim to a fraudster by verifying a T-Mobile agent's authenticity. The rise in fraud, both online and offline, has led to a significant increase in fraudulent calls and messages, with nearly half of Kenyan mobile phone users receiving suspicious contacts recently.

Equity Bank recommends several security measures to protect customers. Never share your PINs or passwords, always confirm transaction details, and regularly monitor your accounts for any unusual activity. To identify genuine bank agents, look for official branding, a valid Certificate of Accreditation, an agent information poster, and confirm their authenticity online. If you suspect a fraudulent number or SMS line, report it to 333 for free in Kenya. Agency fraud is also on the rise, with fraudsters posing as T-Mobile agents to steal money. Between January and March 2025, Kenya recorded a staggering 2.5 billion cyberattacks.

With fraud on the rise in Kenya, it's crucial for mobile phone users to be vigilant and verify agents to stay safe. By following security tips and reporting suspicious activities, Kenyans can help combat this growing threat.

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