Police Commission Dismisses Viral Claims of Cheap Vehicle Auction
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has dismissed reports circulating online claiming that it plans to auction dozens of vehicles at extremely low prices.
In a statement released on Saturday, May 2, the Commission warned Kenyans against trusting the viral advertisement, saying it is fake and likely part of a fraud scheme targeting unsuspecting members of the public.
The misleading notice, which has been widely shared across social media platforms and messaging apps, alleged that the Commission was preparing to auction nearly 47 vehicles in Nairobi at throwaway prices.
According to the advert, some vehicles were supposedly being sold for as little as Ksh250,000, something that quickly attracted public attention online.
To convince people that the advert was genuine, the fraudsters used the National Police Service Commission’s name, branding, and official-looking presentation style.
The fake notice also listed several popular car models commonly preferred by Kenyan motorists, including the Toyota Vitz, Mazda Demio, Toyota Corolla Axio, and Subaru Forester, together with attractive price tags meant to lure buyers.
However, the Commission said the notice contained several suspicious details that exposed it as fake.
Among the red flags identified were the use of unofficial communication channels and questionable payment instructions that do not match the Commission’s normal procedures for disposing of vehicles.
One of the biggest concerns raised by the NPSC was that interested buyers were allegedly being asked to register through WhatsApp and pay participation fees before being allowed to take part in the supposed auction.
The Commission clarified that such methods are not used in legitimate government auctions and warned Kenyans not to send money or personal information to unknown individuals online.
The Commission urged members of the public to remain cautious whenever they come across offers that appear too good to be true. It also encouraged Kenyans to confirm information through official government communication channels before making payments or sharing sensitive details.
Additionally, the NPSC asked the public to report suspicious advertisements, messages, or notices to law enforcement agencies so that action can be taken against fraudsters using fake government announcements to scam citizens.
The warning comes at a time when cases of online fraud and fake advertisements have continued to increase across the country.
Many scammers are now using social media, SMS messages, and messaging apps to spread fake opportunities involving jobs, tenders, auctions, and financial deals in order to steal money from unsuspecting Kenyans.
Just two days earlier, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) also issued a public warning over fake recruitment messages connected to the Rironi-Gilgil and Rironi-Naivasha road construction projects.
According to KeNHA, fraudsters had started spreading false recruitment information through text messages and online platforms, pretending that the authority was hiring workers for the ongoing road projects.
The fake recruitment notices reportedly instructed job seekers to submit personal documents using unofficial email addresses and phone numbers. In some cases, applicants were even asked to pay money for application processing and other fake services.
KeNHA advised Kenyans to stay alert and avoid sharing personal information or making payments unless they have confirmed the authenticity of recruitment advertisements through official channels.
The recent incidents highlight the growing trend of scammers impersonating government institutions to exploit desperate job seekers, bargain hunters, and members of the public searching for opportunities online.
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