Look at what you are being asked to do
A scam can be well written, use a real organisation's logo and arrive from a stolen account. Warning signs include pressure to act immediately, keep a secret, share a code, move to a private chat or pay before you can receive a prize, job or loan.
Common situations in Kenya
A fake recruiter asks for an application, training or equipment payment before you can start a job.
A message promises a government grant, tax refund or bursary through an unfamiliar link.
A caller claims to reverse a mobile-money error and asks for your PIN or a payment prompt.
A seller or investment group promises guaranteed returns and pressures you to pay quickly.
A familiar contact requests urgent help but refuses a call on their usual number.
Check safely
Pause. Do not open attachments, approve prompts or share information while checking.
Find the organisation through an official app or web address you already know.
Confirm the request using a separate, established contact channel.
Check the full website address. A padlock, paid advert or verification badge alone is not proof of legitimacy.
Report the message in the service, then block or delete it after preserving any evidence needed for an incident.
Voice, video and QR codes can be misleading
AI tools can imitate voices and images; ordinary copied recordings can also deceive. Verify an emergency request by calling back on a known number and asking about the situation independently. Preview a QR code's destination and never install an app or sign in simply because a poster or message directs you to.
If you clicked, paid or shared a code
If you only opened a page, close it and check for downloads; clicking does not automatically mean an account was stolen. If you entered credentials, change them and revoke sessions from a trusted device. If you approved a payment, contact your provider immediately. If you installed software or gave remote access, stop using that device for sensitive tasks and seek trusted support.
Keep message details, URLs, transaction references and the time of contact. Beware of a second scam promising guaranteed recovery for a fee.
Useful references
Here to help
Something doesn’t look right?
Prepare an incident report with the details that matter.