Sim swap cons of Mulot: Youths warned against fraud, told to use tech for good

A SIM swap scam is a type of account takeover fraud that generally targets a weakness in two-factor authentication and two-step verification in which the second factor or step is a text message or call placed to a mobile telephone, according to Wikipedia.

 

 The majority of those engaging in the activity are unemployed youths between the ages of 14 and 35. 

 

Our reporter visited the area and spoke to residents about the fraud which has affected many, and filed this report:

 

Alfred Koech, a small-scale trader, told Wananchi Reporting, “Many youths have abandoned their studies. They don’t study, they don't work and many are using unemployment as an excuse to engage in crime.”

 

Noah Kiplangat, a local, said he has struggled to find work after dropping out of school when he was in Form 2 for lack of school fees. 

 

He said, “I have been unsuccessful in finding a job. Many people are in a similar situation and that’s how they find themselves engaging in fraud such as sim swapping.”

According to Bomet Central deputy police commander, Nelson Imamai, the sim swap fraud is a cause for concern and many youths have been arrested and held in remand due to the activity.

 

He said officers were hunting down culprits and they will face the full force of the law.

 

Imamai said youths have been advised to use their knowledge to engage in gainful activities such as setting up a technology hub, however, they have not heeded the advice.

 

Nelson Maritim, a resident, urged youths to engage in productive activities, even if they are unemployed and even consider starting small businesses selling fruit and vegetables instead of engaging in crime.

 

He said, “Many of these youths are idle and are looking for money to meet their basic needs, and that pushes them to engage in the wrong activities.”

 

Maritim continued, “The government should set up an IT hub for them so that they can use the knowledge they have for good and create employment through it.”

 

Julius Sigei, another resident, condemned the fraudsters, saying they engaged in crime and framed innocent individuals, who ended up being charged after unknowingly giving out their details.