Luthuli Avenue in Nairobi is known for its bustling electronics market, where buyers flock to get affordable gadgets like phones, televisions, and laptops.
However, it has also become notorious for con games, where unsuspecting customers are often tricked into losing their money.
A common scheme involves scammers pretending to sell genuine products at very low prices, drawing in victims with promises of a great deal.
Once the buyer expresses interest, they are manipulated through sleight of hand or fake transactions, leaving them with counterfeit or substandard goods.
In one recent case, an old man was conned by two women, who claimed to be selling him a high-quality phone. The incident happened on Luthuli Avenue, and as soon as the transaction was completed, the man realized he had been duped.
According to witnesses, the man suddenly began behaving erratically, appearing confused and disoriented—leading some to believe he had been bewitched.
This story mirrors other incidents where victims of scams report unusual reactions after being conned, adding a layer of mystery to the notorious scams in the area.
The con game at Luthuli Avenue is often carried out by individuals who have mastered manipulation techniques. They typically work in teams to create a sense of legitimacy.
One person might act as a seller, while another poses as a satisfied customer to convince the victim that the product is genuine.
In some cases, they will distract the buyer during the exchange, switching the product with a counterfeit item right at the moment of purchase.
Victims often report feeling ashamed or hesitant to speak up, fearing they might be ridiculed for falling into the trap.
However, the con artists thrive on this silence, using the busy nature of Luthuli Avenue to quickly move from one target to the next without raising suspicion.
The authorities have periodically cracked down on these scammers, but the fast-paced, crowded environment of the area makes it difficult to eradicate the problem completely.
Many continue to lose their money to these cons, underscoring the need for public awareness about these tactics.
