DCI issues warning as Kenyans fall victim to online investment scams

In a statement on Wednesday, the DCI noted that a significant surge in such schemes nationwide has prompted it to investigate incidents where unsuspecting Kenyans fall victim to fraudsters posing as crypto-currency investors. 

“We are currently investigating several such cases where investors who fell for the scam are crying foul. In the modern-day hoodwink that has swept the Kenyan market, short messages (sms) that read “Make Money Sitting At Home” are being sent to random people, with a link to join the online investment platform.” 

“With promises of high margins of profit as returns on investment, unsuspecting victims venture into the schemes and before they realize it, they've lost huge sums of money to scammers.”

The DCI subsequently urged Kenyans to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of online investment opportunities with regulatory bodies, Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Communication Authority (CA), before investing. 

“Should you have information on anyone using this approach to scam investors, please contact us through the DCI toll-free hotline 0800722203,” said the DCI.