Kisumu City Residents Voice Association Chairman Audi Ogada has warned residents against dealing with illegitimate house agents.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground, Ogada said cases of residents being conned by people claiming to be house agents have increased in the lakeside city.
He claimed there are many conmen in the town who upon charging prospective tenants from Sh1000 for house viewing and assistance in getting desired housing, flee leaving them confused and desperate.
"We are calling upon all residents to be aware of conmen who pose as house agents and then trick you into giving them money," he said.
Manyatta Youth Bunge chairman Benson Onoka also called on the residents to be on the lookout for such individuals and report them to the police.
Onoka said residents need to take the issue seriously and report all suspicious individuals to the police for action to be taken against them.
He also called for the vetting of all house agents for eligibility to operate in the town's estates.