Traders in Kimbimbi market, located in Mwea East Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, are reeling from a significant financial blow following a sophisticated fraud scheme that has swindled them of over Ksh. 5 million. The deceitful plot, executed by individuals posing as employees of a mobile phone company, has left many traders in the region grappling with unexpected financial losses.
According to Julius Kinyua, the chairman of Kimbimbi market, the fraudsters approached traders claiming they were introducing a new till number system. They requested personal information, including ID numbers, phone numbers, and PINs, under the guise of enhancing the security and functionality of the traders’ payment systems.
The scam was executed with such finesse that many traders were easily deceived. Susan Muthoni, one of the victims, reported that over Ksh. 30,000 was stolen from her phone. “After the three men left, I was shocked to find my phone was not working, and over Ksh. 30,000 meant for the Kimbimbi women’s group had been frozen,” Muthoni explained. Her case is just one example of the widespread impact of this fraudulent scheme.
Mary Muthoni, another victim, described how the con artists managed to extract her confidential details under false pretenses. “They convinced me that they would replace my till number, and in the process, they obtained my confidential details and stole Ksh. 25,000 from me,” she said. The ease with which the fraudsters gained access to her sensitive information was startling, highlighting the sophisticated nature of their deceit.
The scam has had a cascading effect, impacting numerous traders across Kirinyaga. Reports have surfaced from Ngurubani, Kimbimbi, Kagio, Kerugoya, Kutus, and other markets, with many traders complaining about similar fraudulent activities. The total amount defrauded in Kirinyaga is now estimated to exceed Ksh. 5 million. The sheer scale of the operation underscores the urgency of addressing such fraudulent practices.
In response to the increasing number of complaints, Kinyua has issued a stern warning to traders about the dangers of sharing personal information with strangers. “Everything you have is private, as people are trying to find a way to make quick or easy money. In Kimbimbi alone, people have been conned out of over Ksh. 5 million,” Kinyua emphasized. His advice is a crucial step towards preventing further losses and raising awareness about the ongoing fraud.
Susan Wanjiru, who lost Ksh. 2,500 in the scam, echoed a sentiment of resilience and caution. “We have now recognized these fraudsters and will not fall victim to them again,” she assured. The resolve of the traders to avoid future scams reflects a growing awareness and preparedness against such deceptive schemes.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the fraud, there is a pressing need for increased vigilance and education on security practices. The fraudsters’ ability to exploit vulnerabilities in the traders’ payment systems serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for robust security measures and the importance of skepticism when approached with unsolicited requests for personal information.
In conclusion, the fraudulent scheme that has impacted Kirinyaga’s traders underscores the evolving nature of financial crimes and the need for constant vigilance. As affected traders recover from their losses, it is crucial for the community and authorities to work together in combating such deceitful practices and safeguarding against future scams.
