Fake currency notes are reportedly in large circulation in Kiambu Sub-County targeting M-pesa outlets, area OCPD Stephen Ng’etich has warned.
Ng’etich issued the warning today after two M-Pesa shops reportedly lost thousands of shillings to swindlers who deposited fake currency notes.
He called upon residents and M-Pesa operators within the area to be on the lookout and ensure that they carefully examine any money they handled to avoid falling prey to the tricksters.
The OCPD added that the fake money in circulation is mostly in large denominations of Sh.1000 and 500 notes.
This comes after Jane Waithaka; an M-Pesa owner was yesterday swindled of 50,000 by a customer who gave the fake money to be deposited in his account.
Waithaka said that she learnt of the counterfeit money later after the man who had conned him had left, saying she reported the matter to Kiambu police station and investigations are underway.
Two weeks ago, a case involving counterfeit money was reported after a middle-aged man conned an employee of an M-Pesa shop Sh.10, 000 in a similar manner.
The police boss also sounded a warning to robbers breaking into M-Pesa shops and stealing money. He promised to catch up with them saying their days were numbered.
The warning came after an M-Pesa operator in Kiambu town was robbed off Sh.300, 000 when a gang struck at her shop.
According to the police, the M-Pesa owner identified as Peris Muthoni was closing her shop when the gang pushed her back into the shop and demanded for the cash while threatening her with crude weapons.
The OCPD said after the robbery, two suspects were arrested and arraigned before a Kiambu law courts.
The hearing of the case will continue on May 4, this year, he said.