Money scams aimed at children and teens in Kenya
The most common money scams Kenyan children and teens meet are fake M-PESA messages asking them to "send back" money, calls pretending to be Safaricom, fake prizes and giveaways, free game currency offers that steal accounts, and get-rich investment schemes. Teach three rules: a real M-PESA message comes from M-PESA, never a phone number; nobody genuine asks for a PIN; and anything that sounds too good to be true is a scam. Forward scam messages to 333.
- Real M-PESA messages come from "M-PESA", not from a phone number.
- Safaricom only calls from 0722 000 000 and never asks for a PIN.
- Never send money "back" because someone says they sent it by mistake.
- Free game coins, prizes and "double your money" offers are scams.
- Report scam messages and numbers by forwarding them to 333.
Why children are targets
Children and teens are trusting, they want to help, and they often don’t want to admit to a parent that something went wrong. Scammers count on all three. A child with their own line, or using a parent’s phone, can be a way into the family’s money.
The fake M-PESA message
This is the most common one. Your child gets an SMS that looks like an M-PESA confirmation saying they’ve received money. Then a call or text follows: "I sent it to you by mistake, please send it back."
Safaricom says a genuine M-PESA message is sent from M-PESA, not from a customer’s line, and the fake ones often show the new balance as "LOCKED". The advice:
- don’t call the number back
- don’t send any money back, even if they beg
- if the money really was sent by mistake, the sender can forward the message to 456 or call Safaricom
- forward the fake message to 333 so the number can be blocked
Calls pretending to be Safaricom
Someone calls saying they’re from Safaricom and asks for a PIN, an ID number, or for you to dial a code. Safaricom says it only calls from 0722 000 000, and never asks for your PIN, your M-PESA balance or for you to dial codes like *33*0000*. Dialling a code someone gives you can block your line or send money to a fraudster.
Fake prizes and giveaways
"Congratulations, you’ve won KES 50,000 in the Safaricom promotion. Send KES 500 to claim." Real prizes don’t ask you to pay to receive them.
Free game coins and top-ups
Teens who play online games see offers of free coins, skins or diamonds. The catch is a link that steals their game account, or a request for a parent’s M-PESA PIN or card. Teach them: in-game currency is only bought inside the game, with a parent, and never through a link in a chat.
"Double your money" and get-rich offers
Older teens meet pyramid schemes, fake forex "mentors" and "invest KES 1,000, get KES 3,000 in a week" groups on WhatsApp and Telegram. The rule: real investments can’t promise big, fast, guaranteed returns.
Emergencies and threats
A message says a family member is in hospital and needs money now, or threatens to share something unless money is paid. Teach your child to stop, not reply, and come to you. A real emergency can wait two minutes for a phone call to check.
Three rules for every child
- A real M-PESA message comes from M-PESA, never from a phone number.
- Never share a PIN or a code, not even with someone who says they’re from Safaricom or the bank.
- Too good to be true means it’s a scam. Prizes you didn’t enter, free money, doubled money.
And a fourth for parents: make it safe to tell you. A child who’s afraid of trouble will hide a mistake. One who knows you won’t shout will come to you before sending anything.
How to report a scam
- Forward scam SMS and report suspicious numbers to 333 (Safaricom).
- If money was lost, contact Safaricom straight away and report to the police.
Where myKesho fits
myKesho’s Staying safe with money level, from age 8, has lessons on keeping a PIN secret, spotting a fake M-PESA message, free-gift scams, in-game purchases and saying no to pressure. The fake M-PESA lesson shows a real-looking message and asks your child what they’d do.
Questions parents ask
How do I know if an M-PESA message is fake?
A genuine M-PESA message comes from M-PESA, not from a phone number. Fake ones often show the balance as "LOCKED". Check your actual balance on *334# before doing anything.
What should my child do if someone says they sent money by mistake?
Don’t send anything back and don’t call the number. If it was a genuine mistake, the sender can forward the message to 456 or call Safaricom. Forward fake messages to 333.
Where do I report M-PESA fraud in Kenya?
Forward scam messages and report suspicious numbers to 333. If money was lost, contact Safaricom immediately and report to the police.
Does Safaricom ever ask for my PIN?
No. Safaricom says it never asks for your PIN, your M-PESA details or for you to dial codes, and only calls from 0722 000 000.
Lessons for your child
- A strange M‑Pesa message: Spot a fake “send it back” message
- PINs and codes are secret: Why your PIN and SMS codes are only for you
- Free gifts that aren’t free: Fake prizes, free gems and password traps
- In-game buys and loot boxes: Why game coins and mystery boxes are real money
- When friends push you to spend: How to say no and still have fun
More guides
Sources
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