CoFeK: State should step up efforts to fight fraud

The Government has been challenged to rein in fraudsters who are conning unsuspecting people out of millions of shillings.

Consumers Federation of Kenya (CoFeK) Secretary General Stephen Mutoro said State should change tack in dealing with the con artists, noting that the criminals have turned hi-tech.

“The fraudsters are no longer the ones we know. They have invaded key Government installations where they access vital information and use it to fleece Kenyans of their hard-earned cash,” observed Mr Mutoro.

“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission should investigate individuals giving out information which is used to commit a felony,” he added.

Selling information

Speaking in Eldoret town during a consumers’ dialogue on electricity over the weekend, the Cofek chair while said the fraudsters have penetrated Kenya Power in large numbers.

“Contractors carrying out installations on behalf of Kenya Power or employees within the company itself are selling information to the fraudsters. Millions of shillings have been lost to fraudsters, especially in new connections,” he said.

He urged Kenya Power to be very discreet in managing information in order to correct the mess and asked Kenyans to be wary of people promising them power connection after parting with a certain amount.

“Recently, we were treated to an incident where consumers at a leading supermarket were being charged highly compared to prizes indicated on the shelves,” said Cofek official.

Kenya Power General Manager for Customer Affairs Joshua Muthea said, “We cannot quantify the amount but we have received information of person purporting to be our officials asking money for connection.”

“We have rolled out consumer awareness campaigns to address the situation.”