Kenyans losing thousands to online shopping scammers

Although many stories have remained untold to the general public – others have made headlines in family WhatsApp groups and in other small circles.

Linet Nzioka* recently ordered a pair of shoes from an online shop. The arrangement demanded that she pays Ksh. 2,000 deposit – the balance would be paid upon delivery. The delivery never happened.

It’s been more than three weeks – and Nzioka is yet to locate the physical address of the store. Meanwhile – the ‘customer care’ number that had been gracing the online page no longer works. There is a new one (mobile phone number) – but it’s never answered. All discussions are done via messaging app.

The store, based on information shared on its online page, should be somewhere deep in hearts of Githunguri, in Kiambu County.

“I went to this building and was shocked that the store did not exist. It was actually a residential building owned by an old woman,” said Linet.

The online shop – which is still active online – keeps posting alluring pictures of women shoes, bags and hair products.

“It’s a scam and many people are sadly falling prey,” she said.

Elizabeth, a trader who runs a Supermarket business told Wananchi Reporting that a week hardly passes without someone walking into the shop to ask about a certain Stall B08.

“They come asking for directions to this one stall. sadly, I have to tell them that the store does not exist in our premises, and many are left in tears after losing money,” Elizabeth said.

She recounted an incident where a father from Mombasa had bought shoes for his son as a present for his excellent performance in school. However, when he arrived to collect the shoes, he was told that Stall B08 did not exist.

Many who have fallen victims to these online fraudsters have often taken to social media platforms to tell other Kenyans about their ordeals – with only a handful reporting to the police.

“Some of the pages will get blocked after many people complain, but the fraudsters will always open new ‘shops’ online, and continue with their criminal acts,” says social media expert Maryann Mwangi.

“Those who plan to shop online need to carry out due diligence, do background checks on some of these stores before you send any money,” she says – adding that buyers should look at previous reviews done by clients to understand history of the stores.

She argues that this (online shopping) is a relatively new space – and is yet to have proper structures and legislation.

“There is need for proper structures to be developed to ensure both buyers and seller are cushioned from fraudsters.”

“It would be helpful, for instance, to develop a temporary wallet where all deposits paid towards a purchase are held until the right goods are delivered,” adds Mwangi.

Reports indicate that the online fraudsters also target county traders looking to do large scale purchases to stock their shops back in the villages.

“Online shopping scam is big problem, and many people have been conned. It is unfortunate that they never get their money back because there are no faces involved,” says Mwangi.