Hoax Website Claims M-Pesa is Issuing Sh5,000 Cash Grants

Strategic Insights -

A fake website, claiming to offer cash grants through Safaricom's M-Pesa service, has been circulating on social media, drawing in unsuspecting users with promises of Sh5,000 rewards. However, upon closer inspection, the site displays several red flags, including pressure tactics and a suspicious URL. The website's claims are not authentic, and users are advised to be cautious and verify information before engaging with such sites.

Key Takeaways:

  • The website claims that M-Pesa is issuing Sh5,000 cash grants to all its users to celebrate its anniversary, but this is a hoax.
  • Users are asked to complete a three-question survey and share a link on WhatsApp to claim the benefit.
  • The site displays several red flags, including phrases such as 'hurry now' and 'only 289 prizes remaining' to pressure users to act fast.
  • The suspicious URL is different from the authentic Safaricom website 'https://www.safaricom.co.ke/'.
  • The impostor website was registered in Reykjavik, Iceland, on May 5, 2025, while the authentic Safaricom website was registered on February 12, 2003.
  • Legitimate sites tend to be much older than hoax sites.
  • Safaricom has warned against sites impersonating its products and advises users not to share personal information.
  • PesaCheck contacted Safaricom on X and established that the giveaway is not authentic.

Statistics:

  • 3-question survey to qualify for the benefit
  • 9 gift box options to select from
  • 3 chances to select a gift box containing the alleged reward
  • 5 WhatsApp groups or 15 friends to share the link with to claim the benefit
  • Only 289 prizes remaining
  • 2 websites mentioned:

- The authentic Safaricom website: https://www.safaricom.co.ke/

- The impostor website (registered in Reykjavik, Iceland): [no URL mentioned]

  • 2 dates mentioned:

- May 5, 2025 (impostor website registration)

- February 12, 2003 (authentic Safaricom website registration)

Sources:

  • PesaCheck
  • Safaricom website: https://www.safaricom.co.ke/
  • Safaricom's Facebook page
  • Safaricom's X (formerly Twitter) account
  • A Whois search on the impostor website (no specific URL mentioned)