DCI has cautioned Kenyans about individuals scamming holidaymakers with fake Airbnb listings. A woman allegedly showcasing fake Airbnb listings has been arrested by DCI.
Authorities revealed that they have been trailing the woman for several months for running scams that conned several individuals.
"AIRBNB CON FLUSHED OUT OF THE MARKET," DCI announced on Twitter.
"Sheila Wakesho Matasa, a prime suspect in a series of fraud cases reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu and Mombasa counties by holidaymakers is behind bars after detectives in Kiambaa, Kiambu County nabbed her at a bank lobby yesterday." read part of the statement."
The 24-year-old was arrested in Ruaka, at a banking hall where she had gone to enquire about her frozen bank account following multiple suspicious transactions.
Wakesho had also been running several fake social media accounts that fooled victims intending to vacation at the Coast.
"In a well-choreographed scheme that has milked both local and foreign coast-goers to the bones, the daring Wakesho opened several social media platforms purporting to own a number of AirBnBs in the coastal region of Mombasa, drawing a followership of over 10k unsuspecting fun lovers," said DCI.
The fake listed Airbnbns included: Lifestyle Beachfront AirBnB, Mombasa Raha AirBnB, and Shah Tours.
"Notably, most of the information used to advertise "her" fancy AirBnBs was plagiarized and the uploaded photos bear copyright ownership," added DCI
She used multiple SIM cards using stolen IDs.
"After netting her targets who could only reach her online, the quiet suspect with loud deals directed them to channel booking fees to Mpesa Till no. 8981656 or Paybill no. 400200 ACC name: 01100252088001, after which she would vanish leaving them stranded along beaches, bus stations, SGR terminals and airports."
"In one of the incidents that finally gave her away after months of trailing, she obtained an unrevealed sum of money from a banker who would not let the money just go without a face and a name. After the foul play, the banker tipped the detectives who swiftly got their feet on her neck."
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