Why gaming platforms more vulnerable to scams

Cyber criminal locking files. [GettyImages]

Kenya’s gaming sector, including online betting and poker platforms are more susceptible to digital fraud attempts in the latest report by TransUnion, a global intelligence firm.  The report lists the gaming platform at the top at 10.4 per cent as the most affected industry according to data from the first half of the year.

Logistics comes second with 7.8 per cent, followed by government 7.5 per cent. “Government services (7.5 per cent) and logistics (7.8 per cent) also experienced elevated suspected fraud rates, illustrating a broad set of digital entry points vulnerable to fraudulent account creation,” the report says.

There was a 49 per cent increase in suspected digital fraud attempts in half one (H1) 2025 compared to H1 2024. This is while logistics recorded a drop of 35 per cent during the period.

In government, suspected digital fraud attempts increased by 44 per cent in the period. Other industries that recorded a drop are insurance: 39 per cent, communities (web properties like online forums and dating sites) 28 per cent, financial services 56 per cent, telecommunications 63 per cent and travel and leisure 87 per cent.

The report says Kenya had the second-highest percentage of respondents in Africa who confessed to having fallen victim to fraud between February and May 2025. At least 10 per cent said they were targeted and fell victim, 71 per cent were targeted but did not fall for the trap, while 19 per cent said they were not targeted. The most reported fraud scheme was vishing (phishing).

Vishing is a type of fraud where voice calls are used to seduce or trick individuals into divulging critical information that is later used to defraud them.

Zambia had the highest percentage of ‘targeted but did not fall victim’ individuals at 76 per cent, followed by Kenya 71 per cent, Botswana 68 per cent, Namibia 57 per cent, Rwanda 49 per cent and South Africa 46 per cent. South Africa had the highest percentage of ‘targeted and fell victim’ at 13 per cent, with Botswana having the lowest at six per cent.

“Despite high exposure, Kenya is advancing in fraud prevention as financial institutions are adopting AI-powered fraud detection, biometric verification and consumer education initiatives. However, more has to be done to combat fraud attempts in video gaming, where protections should include identity, device and behavioural analytics,” said Senior Director of fraud product management at TransUnion Africa Amritha Reddy.

Reddy added that a safer digital Kenya is achievable when trust becomes a shared responsibility.

“As scammers continue to evolve their tactics to enrich themselves, it’s more important than ever for consumers to regularly review their credit reports to ensure all listed information is accurate,” she said.