It really does perplex me how one does get easily conned. Does this portray the fact that as a nation, we have become used to corruption and cutting corners that we always opt for an option with the least resistance? Are we that lazy or delusional to think that life can be that easy?
“Con; to make someone believe something false usually so that that person will give you their money or possessions”
With the high rise of Kenyans being conned left, right and centre, all I wanna ask is, ‘what can be done?’ It is either the systems get better or we become wiser. The latter is our safest bet cause the former isn’t about to happen anytime soon. This is a country where systems work in favor of the conmen and those doing illegal businesses. Look at all these ‘investment options’ that later turned out to be scams. They were advertised all over by your so called ‘trusted’ media houses, personalities and influencers. Do they research on the legitimacy of these companies or for them it’s all about the highest bidder?
For me, that is always a red flag. Any business that comes out of nowhere and all of a sudden its everywhere on the billboards, radio stations, TV adverts and all the shebang; always ask questions. The question I always ask myself is, what are they compensating for? Anything that comes packed in a flashy package, ogopa! It quickly reminds me of the Swahili saying, “Kizuri chajiuza, Kibaya chajitembeza”. How can a company that is barely two years old be able to yield such high ‘guaranteed’ returns? Nothing is guaranteed in high risk high return investments.
Another sign that you are entering a con-ful zone is anything that asks you to pay money first. You have to pay for the secret of making more money. The other day someone said that it is way easier to con educated people with money than it is to con a poor man. I’m inclined to agree.
There was a group of people who were looking for investors for their businesses. On hearing this, a leader in a church told them he does know people who are willing to invest, foreigners to be precise. Excited, they showed interest and asked let’s call him Andrew to organize a meeting for them with the investors.
“They have agreed for a meet,” said Andrew to Matt, the chairman of the crew. “Let’s meet on Sunday and talk the particulars”. Sunday came and as promised Andrew had the info. Turns out these guys had to pay for the ‘investors’ flights and first class accomodation and car hire for them while they’ll be in the country. Matt and the crew were perplexed. I know they say spend money to get money but this was insane. And to make matters worse they were to do that in two weeks or they’ll lose their chance because the investors schedule was ‘busy’.
That’s another sign. You will know you are being conned when things are happening too fast and you’re given an ultimatum. Matt read through Andrew and told him he won’t take the deal. This meeting could happen via zoom, why did they need to pay flights and accommodation for the so called investors? And in two weeks? Nah! If it wasn’t yours, then it shall pass. But if God intended it for you, no matter how long it takes, it shall be yours.
Another sign you’re are being conned is that you are given too much unnecessary information just to overwhelm you. When one does this, they blind you to what they want you to know. Hence the many adverts all over.
All I want to tell us is we have to be vigilant and use our instincts. They are never wrong. Once you see these signs, any of them, count your losses and end it. Many Kenyans have lost their hard earned money out of sheer stupidity. These pyramid schemes are so easy to detect that when people fall for it just to get easy money, you can’t feel bad for them. If you are that dumb to fall for these things then you deserve it. Hamjipendi! At the end of the day, do your due diligence. Whether it’s buying a house or land, or investing in a start-up. And remember, when the deal is too good, chile think twice wena!
