Suspected M-Pesa fraudster arrested after posing as Safaricom agent in Garissa

Police in Garissa have apprehended a suspected M-Pesa fraudster named Edwin Mugoi, who allegedly posed as a Safaricom agent to defraud an M-Pesa shop attendant in the Posta area of Bulla Hodhan. According to reports, Mugoi approached the attendant, claiming he was there to carry out a line upgrade while actually attempting to defraud the system.

The unsuspecting attendant permitted him to proceed and, unknowingly, allowed Mugoi to swap the mobile line. Subsequently, Mugoi used the line to transfer funds to another account. Following the report of the incident to the police, officers from Garissa Police Station initiated a search and promptly arrested Mugoi. During his arrest, police seized multiple SIM cards, four mobile phones, two SIM-card registration gadgets, and four chargers, all of which are suspected to have been utilized in the fraudulent activities.

The suspect had reportedly been targeting M-Pesa shop attendants across Garissa town and the surrounding areas. Police are warning mobile money users and M-Pesa agents to be vigilant and cautious when interacting with individuals claiming to be telecommunications company representatives, especially if they request the surrendering of SIM cards, phones, or account information.

This arrest is part of an ongoing effort to combat mobile money fraud targeting both M-Pesa agents and their customers in the region.