Online shopping has become a breeding ground for fraudsters who exploit loop holes in thw system to steal feom unsuspecting Kenyans.
DCI has arrested one Charles Kuria Kamau, 30, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the digital marketplace.
Kuria, apprehended by detectives from Starehe, is accused of running an elaborate scheme using stolen identities to con unsuspecting Kenyans.
The suspect was arrested at his residence in Hilton Estate, Ruiru Township, following investigations into a theft incident reported on January 3. A search of his home yielded a stash of 96 stolen Kenyan national ID cards, 10 dummy Samsung foldable phones, and numerous SIM card plates.
Kuria allegedly used stolen IDs to register multiple accounts on Jiji, a popular online shopping platform, posing as a seller of high-end foldable Samsung phones.
After luring buyers with attractive deals, he delivered dummy phones instead of genuine ones. By the time victims realized they had been conned, investigations led only to the stolen IDs, leaving Kuria untraceable.
Police are warning Kenyans to exercise extreme caution when engaging in online transactions. “The suspect took advantage of people’s trust in digital platforms to swindle them. This is a wake-up call for all online shoppers to verify sellers before making payments,” a senior detective cautioned.
The case has drawn attention to the growing risks of online shopping, particularly on platforms where users can remain anonymous or use fake credentials. Fraudsters exploit such gaps, leaving victims with little recourse once swindled.
Kuria is currently in custody at Ruaraka Police Station, with detectives urging potential victims of the scheme to come forward.
Authorities are calling on Kenyans to adopt safer practices, such as meeting sellers in secure public locations, verifying their identities, and insisting on payment upon delivery.
As online shopping continues to grow, so too does the threat posed by tech-savvy fraudsters like Kuria. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in the digital marketplace.
