How to spot fake holiday offers before you lose your money
By Paulette Mboga, November 6, 2025Christmas is around the corner, and Kenyans are already in full holiday mode — planning trips, shopping for gifts, and searching for the best deals online.
But as the festive excitement builds, so do the scams. Every December, thousands of Kenyans fall for fake holiday offers that promise dream vacations, cheap electronics, or “exclusive Christmas giveaways”. This year, don’t let yourself be one of them. Here’s how to outsmart online scammers before they outsmart you.
The ‘too good to be true’ trap
If you see a post screaming, “Flight to Mombasa at Ksh 999 ONLY — Book Now!” or “Get iPhone 15 Pro Max at 80% discount — offer ends today!” Just breathe, smile, and scroll away.
These kinds of deals are designed to make your heart race and your brain pause. Scammers know you want that holiday bargain, but once you pay, they vanish faster than your December salary. Remember, hakuna vitu rahisi kwa hii dunia, and a flight at Ksh999? Let’s be real.
Check the website or page twice
Before you hit “book” or “buy”, check if the site looks suspicious. Fake websites often copy the names and logos of real brands — but something will always be off. Maybe the web address is slightly different, for example, K24-deals.co.ke instead of K24.co.ke, or the grammar is terrible.
Legit businesses also have verified social media pages with blue ticks. No tick, no trust…but not always.
Be wary of ‘M-Pesa only’ payments
A common trick is when fraudsters ask you to “send to this number” or use a personal M-Pesa line. Most companies use official paybill numbers or tills registered under the company name.
If someone says, “Just send a deposit of Ksh 3,000 to secure your slot,” take a step back. Once you send that money, your dream vacation will only exist in your imagination.
Watch out for urgent messages
Scammers use pressure to make you act fast. You’ll see lines like “Only 5 rooms left!”, “Offer ends in 30 minutes!” or “First 20 customers get free flights!” They want you to panic and pay before thinking. Real companies give you time to decide. If an offer feels like a sprint, it’s probably a scam marathon. Run, don’t walk.
Do some quick detective work
Before clicking links or sending money, take a minute to Google the company, check reviews, or even ask in local WhatsApp or Facebook groups. Kenyans online are quick to expose conmen.
Also, avoid links shared on WhatsApp claiming “K24 is giving out Christmas vouchers to loyal viewers!” or “Click here to win a free trip to Dubai!” Those usually lead to fake pages that steal your personal info.
Scammers are getting smarter, but so are Kenyans. Don’t let your Christmas spirit make you careless. Always verify before you buy, confirm before you click, and question every “exclusive” deal that pops up in your inbox.