Question 1

What is the "M-Pesa Fake Payment Notification" scam in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

Fraudsters send a convincingly fake M-Pesa confirmation SMS to tourists who have sold goods, rented equipment, or agreed to pay for services, claiming that funds have been transferred to your number. The message replicates the official Safaricom M-Pesa sender ID and format precisely. The scammer then demands the goods or service before the victim checks their actual M-Pesa balance and discovers no transfer was made. In 2024, M-Pesa fraud losses in Kenya surged to Ksh 810 million, a 344% increase, with fake confirmation messages one of the primary methods used. Always open your M-Pesa app and check your actual account balance before releasing goods or services — do not rely on an SMS notification alone. If someone claims to have sent money, verify it shows in your transaction history, not just as an incoming text.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Currency Exchange (Wash-Wash Scam)" scam in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

Street operators near Nairobi's CBD and River Road approach tourists claiming to offer favorable exchange rates for USD or EUR. They produce what appears to be a large bundle of Kenyan shillings but use sleight of hand to swap the bundle for cut newspaper or low-denomination notes before completing the transaction. A related version involves selling "UN dollars" — worthless paper described as special war-zone currency — to tourists persuaded they are getting a bargain. Use only licensed forex bureaus in established locations such as the Yaya Centre in Hurlingham, Diamond Plaza in Parklands, or bank branches. Never exchange money on the street regardless of the offered rate. Verify every note before leaving the counter.

Question 3

What is the "ATM Card Skimming and PIN Theft" scam in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

Skimming devices fitted to ATM card slots capture card data while a nearby accomplice observes PIN entry, sometimes using a shoulder-surf technique or a micro-camera mounted above the keypad. Nairobi's CBD ATMs on Moi Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue have been targeted, as have standalone machines in supermarket forecourts. Fraudulent withdrawals typically happen within hours of the card data being captured, often while the tourist is still in-country. Use ATMs inside bank branches or in well-lit, staffed locations such as major shopping malls like The Village Market in Gigiri or Westgate Shopping Centre. Shield the keypad with your free hand when entering your PIN. Check your account the same day and set transaction alerts on your bank app before travelling.

Money & ATM Scams in Nairobi

M-Pesa Fake Payment Notification

Fake Currency Exchange (Wash-Wash Scam)

ATM Card Skimming and PIN Theft

Experienced a scam here?