Police officers stationed at Kamukunji Police Station have launched a crackdown on well-known electronic products scammers along Nairobi’s Luthuli Avenue.
Dubbed the Kamukunji 15, the team of police officers has, in the recent past, intercepted the fraudulent activities aimed at robbing unsuspecting Kenyans their hard-earned cash.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 26, the National Police Service (NPS) indicated that the fraudsters thrive by conning unsuspecting customers in the guise of selling cheap TV sets. The conmen often entice the buyers with unbeatable prices and once they express interest in purchasing the products and make a down payment, the prices suddenly double.
“There is a crop of rogue dealers who use fraudulent schemes to fleece innocent Kenyans of their hard-earned cash.
“They reportedly lure customers with unbeatable offers on new electronics and once the agreed price is paid, they set new conditions that soars the cost; sometimes to double the agreed price, and getting a refund for buyers who opt out of the transaction is reportedly a daunting task,” read the statement in part.
In their latest case on Tuesday, January 25, the Kamukunji 15, a patrol team attached to Kamukunji Police Station, responded promptly and saved a victim from a fraud scheme from the fraudsters.
The victim had paid for his new TV set but opted out of the transaction when the fraudster doubled the price immediately payment for the item was made.
“He had given up on receiving his money back until the arrival of Police Commander Peter Musembi and his Kamukunji-15 patrol team who took appropriate action and ensured the victim was fully compensated.
“This is one of the many positive feedback we receive daily from the public on behalf of our gallant men and women who serve with honour across the country,” added the statement.
The scheme is just one of the many used by fraudsters in Nairobi. Recently, Conmen masquerading as SIM card retailers operating started posing as telecommunication agents or lottery gamblers.
After offering customers discounted deals, they promise victims of new faster sim cards and in the process of registering them, they acquire their personal information through which they use to access their accounts.