The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has issued a public alert, following a worrying concern about violent robberies that target unsuspecting individuals lured through social media interactions and online dating apps.
According to the DCI, both Kenyan citizens and foreign nationals have fallen victim to the criminals who pose as potential lovers or friends on social media platforms.
In a statement released on Friday, the DCI confirmed that the fraudsters have been creating fake profiles and building trust with unaware users before baiting them into unfamiliar locations under the pretense of companionship.
The meetings have frequently culminated into ambushes, robberies, and even physical assaults in some cases.The investigative agency urged members of the public to exercise vigilance when interacting with strangers on different social media platforms and dating apps.
“Protect your personal information and avoid sharing sensitive details, especially financial information with individuals you have only met online,” the DCI warned.
The DCI also emphasized the importance of verifying the identity of people encountered on social media platforms, adding that inconsistencies in personal stories polished profiles or rapid attempts to establish any sort of intimacy should be treated as red flags.
The agency advised that physical meetings should be done in public and safe places. “Opt for well-lit locations like cafes, restaurants, or shopping centers for your first encounter. It is best to avoid private residences or secluded areas, as these can pose significant risks.”
The DCI encouraged that incase of suspicious behaviors during an online or physical interaction, one should immediately disengage and seek help from the nearest police station.
DCI assured its commitment to public safety, maintaining that security personnel are actively pursuing criminal groups involved in the online-based robberies.
