The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a warning to the public about a growing scam on WhatsApp targeting unsuspecting Kenyans. According to the service, fraudsters are exploiting the identity of the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Alex Lemarkoko, to swindle people out of money.
KFS revealed on social media that these scammers create WhatsApp accounts pretending to be CCF Lemarkoko. They often use his photo as the profile picture to appear legitimate and then approach individuals to demand money.
“The public is warned to be cautious of scammers who contact people on WhatsApp using a profile photo of the CCF Kenya, Mr Alex Lemarkoko.
These fraudsters attempt to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public,” KFS stated in an official announcement. The service urged Kenyans not to fall for such schemes and to report any suspicious activity to KFS offices or the nearest police station for proper investigation.
KFS reminded citizens that any official KFS services or products are only payable through the eCitizen platform.
No payments should be made through other channels or to individuals claiming to represent KFS. “Any suspicious communication should be reported immediately to the nearest police station or KFS office.
Members of the public are warned not to make payments for KFS services outside the legally approved eCitizen platform,” the statement added.
A screenshot shared by KFS illustrated one of these scams, showing a person receiving a message from an account using CCF Lemarkoko’s profile photo. This highlights the lengths to which scammers are going to trick Kenyans into sending money.
With scammers constantly finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting people, it is essential for Kenyans to remain vigilant. Messages that demand money or request sensitive information, especially from unknown contacts, should be treated with extreme caution.
One of the most common methods scammers use is sending unsolicited job offers. Many Kenyans have fallen victim to fraudsters posing as employers. To protect yourself, always verify the authenticity of communications from potential employers.
Check that the phone numbers, email addresses, or social media accounts used are officially listed on the company’s website or recognized social media pages.
The same careful approach should be applied when applying for jobs. Scammers often take advantage of people seeking employment, sending fake offers or requests for payments as part of their schemes.
By being alert and verifying official communication channels, Kenyans can reduce the risk of being scammed.
In summary, the KFS warning is a reminder to stay cautious online. Always question unexpected messages, avoid making payments outside official platforms, and report suspicious activity promptly.
By staying alert, Kenyans can protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
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