A foreign investor recently shared his experience of nearly being scammed by two individuals claiming to have connections within the Office of the Deputy President in Kenya. The scammers, referred to as 'Sharp Boys,' approached the investor through LinkedIn and promised him a lucrative tender deal worth 645,000 Euros, approximately Ksh 92 million. The investor was lured with promises of a multi-million-shilling government tender, creating the impression that he had an opportunity to secure a lucrative business deal.
The scammers sent the investor a pre-qualification form and demanded that he pay USD 1,000 to proceed with the tender process. This demand raised red flags, prompting the foreign investor to question the legitimacy of the deal. Instead of sending the money, he decided to pull out of the arrangement and expose the conmen by sharing his experience online.
The incident highlights the growing concern of scams targeting foreign investors in Kenya. The 'Sharp Boys' claimed to have connections within the Office of the Deputy President, which added credibility to their claims. However, their demand for payment raised suspicions, and the investor's vigilance prevented them from carrying out the scam.
The Kenyan government has been working to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment. However, incidents like this demonstrate the need for investors to be cautious when dealing with government officials or business opportunities. The government has established various agencies to support investors and provide them with information on legitimate business opportunities.
The investor's decision to share his experience online has raised awareness about the scam and may have prevented others from falling victim to the 'Sharp Boys.' The incident also highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of business opportunities and government officials. Investors should be cautious when dealing with unsolicited offers or demands for payment.
The 'Sharp Boys' are still at large, and their identities have not been revealed. The incident is under investigation, and authorities are working to identify and apprehend the scammers. The government has urged investors to report any suspicious activities or demands for payment to the relevant authorities.
This incident serves as a reminder for investors to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with business opportunities in Kenya. The government is working to create a secure and transparent business environment, but investors must also take steps to protect themselves from scams and fraudulent activities.
Key points
- The scammers demanded USD 1,000 to proceed with the tender process, which raised suspicions and led to the investor exposing them.
