Hello again, my dearest, let's start with a number: seventy-five percent. That's roughly how much of Kenya's population is under 35, which means that whether the headlines are talking about "the youth" or "the economy," they're mostly talking about the same people. You. So today's letter isn't about waiting for opportunities to open up somewhere out there, it's about noticing the economic engine you're already running, one boda ride, one client invoice, one chama
Fraudsters don't need to be clever. They only need you to be rushed, worried, or excited. Kind of like how that one person has been telling you within 3 days of meeting each other you are the love of their lives... Too soon? Okay... Here are the tricks we see most often, and how to stop each one.
1. The "wrong number" refund
A fake M-Pesa confirmation message arrives, followed by a request to send the money back. Often the original message is a forgery, and no money ever reached your account. Look, at that message again... I does not read MPESA. It reads some number that you do not know.
What to do: Don't trust the SMS. Check your actual M-Pesa balance or statement. If no money arrived, there is nothing to return. Do not be rushed to confirm. Let them practise some patience.
2. The caller pretending to be your bank
Someone calls claiming to be from "the bank," "the loans department," or "customer care." They say your account has a problem and ask for your PIN, an OTP, or your ID number to "verify" you.
Remember: Caritas MFB staff will never ask for your PIN, password, or OTP, whether by phone, SMS, WhatsApp, or in person. If someone asks, hang up. Then call us on our official number ( 020 5151 500 or 0791 810 810 or 0729 986 331).
3. Fake loan apps and "instant approval" offers
Some apps promise quick loans with no questions asked. Then they take heavy fees, grab your contacts, and harass you, or they simply collect your "processing fee" and vanish. (that permissions bit where you allow an app to access your phones contacts, gallery, etc)
What to do: Never pay a fee to receive a loan. Before you borrow, check that the lender is licensed. The Central Bank of Kenya publishes a list of licensed digital credit providers on its website. Desperate times call for desperate measures, however, there are people who are making sure you don’t get a bad loan. Lean into that.
4. Links that look right but aren't
A text or WhatsApp message says you've won a prize, qualified for a loan, or need to "update your details" through a link. The site looks convincing, but it's built to steal your login or card details.
What to do: DO NOT click links from unknown senders. If you're unsure, type our official website address yourself rather than following a link. Matter of fact, click no link you fell looks funny.
5. Investment and job schemes
"Double your money in 7 days." "Pay KSh 2,000 to secure your job placement." (Insert eyeroll)If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Your quick safety checklist
Never share your PIN, OTP, or password with anyone, including people who say they work for us.
Pause before you pay. Scammers create urgency. Real institutions don't pressure you. They can practise a little bit of patience.
Verify independently. Hang up and call back using a number you found yourself. Our website has all our contact information. A quick google search will tell you what you need to know.
Check before you borrow. Confirm the lender is licensed. CBK is here for both me and you.
Keep your phone secure with a screen lock, and report a lost SIM immediately.
If it already happened
Act fast. Contact your mobile network or bank straight away, and report the number involved. Safaricom customers can forward scam SMS messages to 333 or call 100 or dial *100#. You can also report to us at 020 5151 500 or 0791 810 810 or 0729 986 331, and we'll guide you on next steps.
A final word
Staying safe with money isn't about being suspicious of everyone. It's about slowing down for ten seconds before acting. At Caritas MFB, we want your hard-earned savings to stay exactly where they belong: with you… but let us keep it for you.
Have you received a suspicious message lately? Share it with a friend or relative who may not know the signs. One forwarded warning can save someone their savings.
Todaloo!