Man Exposes Fake M-Pesa Messages Kenyans Use To Scam Matatu Conductors: "Si Poa”

• A Kenyan man was commuting in a matatu when the conductor exposed a passenger trying to scam him
• He posted a video outlining how the incident happened as the passenger edited the M-Pesa message
• A source explained to TUKO.co.ke how the scam works and how Kenyans can guard themselves against it

Bosco, a Kenyan man, has exposed how cunning Kenyans avoid paying fares in matatus.

How do Kenyans fake M-Pesa payments?

The man, hailing from Mlolongo, said one culprit was recently discovered by a keen conductor and explained how the system works.

“Yesterday, I was headed to town in a Super Metro matatu, and the conductor started collecting fare.”

According to Bosco, the conductor realised something was amiss after discovering that the money he collected was less than the targeted amount.

“The conductor knew who the culprit was and forced him to pay up,” he said.

According to Bosco, the scam involves editing M-Pesa messages with the recipient’s name and time.

“I learned that the scam is rampant along Mombasa Road. I wonder why you would want to con someone’s hard-earned money,” he said.

Bosco further cautioned matatu conductors to be on the lookout.

"Conductors, be safe. Confirm your message as well as the passengers’,” he said.

How to edit M-Pesa messages

Oscar Buluma, a student in Nairobi, told TUKO.co.ke that culprits download an app that enables them to edit the M-Pesa messages.

“They save themselves as M-Pesa, then edit the message and send it to themselves. The app does not have a ‘reply to message’ option, like in the actual M-Pesa conversations.

The solution is confirming the messages on your end."

While Bosco’s video intended to warn the public of the fraud, some Kenyans did not appreciate it and accused him of being a sellout. Others narrated their experience with the scam.

davidmunene_:

“Watching this inside a Super Metro after editing the message.”

dabill_dabill_21:

“Never be a snitch.”

rophy_queenmelanin:

“I witnessed someone editing along Ngong Road. I wondered how they go about it. I wanted to tell the conductor but decided to mind my business.”

Which matatus does George Ruto own?

In other news, George Ruto, the president's son, made waves after it emerged that he owns the Money Fest matatu.

Money Fest was accused of flouting traffic rules and lacking the necessary documents to operate.

George acquired a new matatu, which operated along the Embakasi route, for KSh 8.7 million.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.