At Luthuli Avenue in Nairobi, many unsuspecting buyers fall victim to well-crafted con games when purchasing electronics.
One common scam involves offering incredibly cheap prices for items like TVs, which lures customers into shops.
Once they pay, they’re hit with unexpected extra charges for “activation codes,” decoders, or other accessories that should have been included.
In some cases, customers are told that the product won’t work unless they pay more for additional components, doubling the cost.
Another frequent tactic is switching items during packaging. Customers may pay for a high-quality TV but end up receiving a faulty or inferior product once they get home.
When they try to return the item, they’re often met with refusal or, in some cases, even threats of violence.
Despite the authorities making efforts to crack down on these fraudulent activities, con artists continue to find ways to exploit unsuspecting shoppers.
To avoid being conned, it’s advisable to shop from reputable outlets, such as brand dealerships or well-known supermarkets. Bringing a tech-savvy friend or conducting thorough research on the product you intend to buy is also a good precaution.
