Police in India this week launched an investigation into a series of job scams sent from numbers registered in East African countries, including Kenya.
International media based in Asian countries reported that the numbers were from Ethiopia (+251), Malaysia (+60), Indonesia (+62), Kenya (+254) and Vietnam (+84).
However, it has emerged that the phone numbers did not originate from the registered countries, but they suspect foul play among Indian nationals.
“They are making calls promising jobs to the unsuspecting Indian citizens,” India Today reported.
Current investigations show that the phone numbers were bought locally and are mostly used for WhatsApp calls.
According to India Today, the workers have been asked to give reviews of various restaurants and supermarkets and will receive the first payment.
From there, however, they will fail to offer payment for other tasks they assign to the Indian nationals.
In some cases, the Indian nationals, who do not understand the system, have been asked to pay if they are willing to get more work and cash.
Similar cases have been reported in the country, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) warning Kenyans to be wary of the schemers.
The DCI has said on several occasions that the users usually use online social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter.
In January, three Kisii University students were arrested by detectives for using online platforms to steal from Kenya.
According to the DCI, a total of 22 SIM cards used in the scam were recovered from the student, who was studying for a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
A statement from the DCI confirmed that the three were arrested following numerous complaints from the public through the DCI Facebook page.
