Exposing Kenyan Recruitment Scams: IFMOSA Work is here to Protect Our People from Fraudulent Agencies
In recent years, countless Kenyans have fallen victim to deceitful recruitment agencies promising lucrative job opportunities abroad. These scams have led to financial ruin, emotional distress, and, in some cases, dangerous situations for the victims.
🔍Here list of scammers in Kenya we found! Never use these companies/ agencies RUN! These agents are known for recruitment scams
1. Trustpin Travel Agency (Nairobi)
What happened:
Promised well-paying jobs in Mauritius (hotels, construction, and hospitality sectors).
Charged victims between KSh 200,000 – KSh 400,000 for:
“Agency processing fees”
“Airfare and work permits”
Required payments upfront before any contracts were signed.
The Scam Unraveled:
Victims later discovered that no jobs existed in Mauritius.
Some had sold land, taken loans, or borrowed from family to pay the fees.
When demands for refunds were ignored, angry job seekers stormed the agency’s office in Nairobi, demanding justice.
Source:
đź“°Â Citizen Digital
2. Forbes Global – The Fake Interview Scam
Modus Operandi:
Conducted fake job interviews (online & in-person) to appear credible.
Charged victims thousands in “processing fees” for non-existent jobs in Dubai, Europe, and the US.
Ignored refund requests and continued operations despite multiple complaints.
The Scam Unraveled:
Victims realized they were scammed after no jobs materialized.
The agency kept operating, changing names or locations to evade authorities.
Exposed by investigative social media posts, but no major arrests were made.
Source:
3. First Choice Recruitment & Consultancy
How it happened:
Capitalized on FIFA World Cup 2022 hype, offering jobs in Qatar (security, hospitality, logistics).
Charged KSh 40,000 – KSh 200,000 for: “Visa processing” or “Job placement guarantees”
Over 200 young Kenyans paid, expecting immediate deployment.
The Scam Exposed:
No jobs materialized—victims were stranded with no visas or flights.
The agency blamed “delays in visa processing” and later disappeared.
Many victims were left in financial ruin, with no way to recover their money.
Source:
4. Maria “Rish” Kamunge (TikTok Influencer) – The Mega Social Media Scam
Modus Operandi:
Used her TikTok fame (large following) to promote fake overseas job opportunities.
Collected millions of shillings from desperate job seekers, promising quick employment in countries like Canada and Saudi Arabia.
Operated with a professional front, including a Nairobi office, to appear legitimate.
The Scam revealed:
After months of unfulfilled promises, victims realized they had been conned.
Angry job seekers stormed her office, presenting payment receipts and demand letters.
Maria was arrested following multiple complaints, but many victims never recovered their money.
Source: All over the news
5. The final one on this list is the Kenyan Go********..
Common Recruitment Scams Tactic: How to Spot Fake Job Offers
Scammers use sneaky (but predictable) tricks to exploit job seekers. Here’s how to identify and avoid them:
1. Upfront Fees
đźš©Â Red Flag: You’re asked to pay for “training,” “visa processing,” “background checks,” or “administrative fees” before starting work.
✅ Legitimate Practice: Reputable employers and agencies deduct fees (if any) from your salary after you’re hired—never upfront.
💡 Example: “Pay $200 for your work permit now, and we’ll reimburse you later!” or “register fee $30″→ Scam.
2. No Interview or Vague Hiring Process
đźš©Â Red Flag: You’re “hired” after a single text/email—no interview, no video call, no detailed discussion.
âś…Â Legitimate Practice:Â Real companies conduct interviews (even basic ones) to assess skills and fit.
💡 Example: “You’re hired! Just send your passport details to start.” → Scam.
3. Unverified Communication
đźš©Â Red Flag: The “recruiter” contacts you via personal email (e.g., Gmail/Yahoo), WhatsApp, or Telegram instead of a company domain (e.g., @companyname.com).
âś…Â Legitimate Practice:Â Official job offers come through verified channels (company email, LinkedIn, or trusted platforms).
⚠️ Watch For: Poor grammar, generic email templates, or refusal to switch to official channels.
4. Pressure Tactics
đźš©Â Red Flag: You’re rushed to “act now” or risk “losing the opportunity”—especially for payments or personal documents.
âś…Â Legitimate Practice:Â Real employers give you time to review contracts and ask questions.
💡 Script: “This offer expires in 24 hours—pay the deposit now to secure your spot!” → Scam.
5. No Physical Address or Fake Company
đźš©Â Red Flag:Â The company has no office location, or their “address” is a random warehouse/residential building.
âś…Â Legitimate Practice:Â Google the company + “reviews” or “scam.” Check their website, LinkedIn, and government business registries.
Final Warning:
Scammers evolve, but their tactics remain the same—false urgency, fake documents, and emotional manipulation. Always verify, verify, verify!
How to Avoid Job Scams in 2025
✅ Never pay for job applications—legitimate employers don’t ask for money upfront.
✅ Research agencies on the National Employment Authority (NEA) Kenya database.
✅ Beware of social media job ads—always verify through official company channels.
✅ Demand a signed contract before making any payments.
✅ Report fraud immediately to the DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations).
💬 Have you been scammed? Share your story (anonymously) to warn others!
Important Disclaimer
The cases mentioned above are based on verified media reports and victim testimonies. While we strive for accuracy, we encourage readers to:
Conduct their own due diligence before engaging with recruitment agencies.
Report fraudulent activity to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI Kenya)
Note that this blog does not constitute legal advice. Victims should consult official channels for redress.
For Companies Mentioned
If you believe any information here is inaccurate or requires clarification, we welcome your response. Contact us immediately.
We are committed to fair reporting and will update this article with verified corrections or statements from involved parties.