NAIROBI, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned Kenyans against a growing wave of online fraud involving fake romantic relationships, undelivered goods and fraudulent overseas employment opportunities.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, the agency raised concerns over people losing money to fraudsters who exploit online interactions to solicit payments under false pretences.
The DCI also warned against attempts by victims to recover lost money through threats, physical confrontations, trespassing or destruction of property, saying such actions could expose them to further criminal charges.
“A worrying trend is emerging: people losing money to fake dates, undelivered goods and fake overseas job offers,” the agency stated.
The investigations agency identified three common schemes through which fraudsters target unsuspecting Kenyans.
How online fraudsters are targeting Kenyans
The first involves online dating scams, where criminals establish romantic relationships with unsuspecting individuals before requesting money for transport, accommodation or other personal expenses.
In some cases, fraudsters exploit the emotional attachment developed during online interactions to persuade victims to send repeated payments, often without any intention of meeting them.
The second scheme involves fraudulent goods and delivery services.
In these cases, scammers advertise products or services online, persuade potential customers to make payments and then disappear without delivering the promised goods or services.
The third targets Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad.
Fraudsters reportedly circulate fake overseas job offers and demand money for recruitment, visa processing or other supposed employment-related services before disappearing.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over online fraud targeting jobseekers and other Kenyans seeking commercial opportunities through digital platforms.
DCI warns of criminal charges for online fraud
The DCI cautioned that individuals who deliberately obtain money through deception could face prosecution under Section 313 of the Penal Code.
“Deliberately obtaining money through deception amounts to obtaining money by false pretences under Section 313 of the Penal Code, punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment,” the agency stated.
Depending on the circumstances, suspects involved in online fraud could also face additional charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
The agency did not, however, disclose the number of reported cases or the financial losses associated with the schemes highlighted in its warning.
DCI cautions victims against taking the law into their own hands
Beyond warning potential victims about online fraud, the agency expressed concern over disputes escalating into physical confrontations when individuals fail to recover money lost to suspected scammers.
The DCI urged Kenyans not to resort to intimidation, assault, trespassing or destruction of property when attempting to resolve financial disputes.
“Equally, avoid threats, assault, trespassing or destruction of property when disputes arise,” the agency cautioned.
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Instead, victims were advised to preserve evidence, including mobile money and bank transaction records, screenshots of conversations, telephone numbers and other communications that could help investigators trace suspected offenders.
They were also urged to report suspected fraud to law enforcement agencies rather than confront the individuals involved.
The DCI further advised Kenyans to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online, particularly before sending money to individuals claiming to offer romantic relationships, goods or overseas employment opportunities.
The agency urged the public to verify the identities and legitimacy of individuals and businesses before making payments, warning that seemingly genuine online interactions could be used to facilitate financial fraud.
