Maureen Waititu Falls Victim to New Scamming Technique, Shares Cautionary Tale

Kenyan digital creator and mother of two, Maureen Waititu, recently revealed a distressing encounter with a sophisticated scamming scheme that drained her phone of funds without requiring her PIN.

In an emotional social media post, Maureen recounted how scammers exploited a seemingly innocent situation, leaving her thousands of shillings poorer within minutes.

How the Scam Began

The ordeal started after Maureen posted a tweet reporting a power outage in her area. She tagged Kenya Power, hoping for assistance, but instead became the target of a meticulously planned scam.

The scammer, posing as a Kenya Power customer care representative, called her shortly after her tweet. His professional demeanor and knowledge of her personal details—including her phone number, meter number, and the name on her account—disarmed her suspicions.

“I was conned Sh8,888 after tweeting Kenya Power to report a power failure in my area. Shortly after my tweet, someone who claimed to work for Kenya Power called me using the number 0105726388. He knew all my Kenya Power details,” Maureen shared.

The caller instructed her to send Sh10 to “activate” her account. In hindsight, Maureen recognized this as the first red flag but trusted the scammer due to his convincing approach.

Step-by-Step Deception

Maureen was then asked to send Sh1,000, forward the payment message unedited, and share it via WhatsApp to a contact labeled “Customer Care.”

“He told me not to edit the message to block my balance, claiming they only needed the reference number. I trusted him and complied.”

Next, the scammer directed her through a series of confusing steps involving the Pochi la Biashara service. By the end of the call, Maureen had unknowingly transferred all the money on her phone to the scammer.

“I received a message confirming payment to someone named Clinton Ruto. By then, I had sent everything I had.”

When a payment confirmation message appeared, it included an option to cancel the transaction. However, the scammer, who stayed on the line throughout, pressured Maureen into clicking “Dismiss” instead of “Cancel.”

A Warning to the Public

Reflecting on the incident, Maureen acknowledged missing several red flags, such as the initial request for Sh10 and the instruction to forward unedited messages.

She expressed frustration over the breach of her personal data and lack of support from service providers.

“This experience has taught me to be more vigilant. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and it’s crucial to question any unsolicited calls, even if they seem legitimate.”

Maureen’s ordeal serves as a stark warning to others to remain cautious when sharing personal information or following unfamiliar instructions.

Key Takeaways to Avoid Scams

• Verify Callers: Always confirm the identity of anyone claiming to represent an organization. Call the official customer care number for verification.
• Watch for Red Flags: Be wary of requests to send small amounts of money or forward payment messages.
• Protect Your Data: Avoid sharing personal or financial details over the phone, especially with unsolicited callers.
• Use Official Channels: Always use verified apps, numbers, or websites to make inquiries or transactions.

As scammers continue to evolve their tactics, Maureen’s experience is a timely reminder to remain vigilant and cautious.