By Gidion Ngeno
The Kenyan government, through the National Police Service (NPS), has issued a strong warning to citizens using mobile phones purchased on credit, cautioning against tampering with the devices to avoid payments.
In a statement released Friday morning, the NPS revealed a rising trend in fraud cases, where individuals illegally "flash" or hack phones acquired through credit-based financing models, such as those offered by M-KOPA, in order to bypass installment payments.
“This fraudulent behavior is not only illegal but has caused massive financial losses to companies offering mobile phones on credit, including M-KOPA,” the statement read. “We are witnessing a growing number of cases where phones are being modified to avoid paying the required fees, a trend that must stop.”
The warning follows the arrest of two suspects in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, who were allegedly involved in a phone hacking scheme targeting M-KOPA devices. The arrests were made through a joint operation between the police and M-KOPA’s security team, following a public tip-off.
Police confirmed that electronic equipment believed to have been used to tamper with the mobile phones was also recovered at the scene. The suspects are currently being held at Eldoret Police Station as investigations continue.
The NPS has urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing mobile phones, particularly those sold at suspiciously low prices by unverified dealers, warning that some of these devices may be linked to criminal activity.
“We urge Kenyans not to participate in fraudulent schemes such as flashing phones acquired on credit to escape paying the required installments,” the NPS stated. “Any suspicious activity should be reported to the nearest police station or via our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, or 112.”
Authorities are now calling for greater public awareness and cooperation in combating the illegal tampering of digital devices. The police emphasized that engaging in or facilitating such schemes is a criminal offense, and those found guilty will face legal consequences.
With the growth of mobile financing platforms in Kenya, the government is reaffirming its commitment to protect both consumers and businesses, and to uphold integrity in digital commerce.
Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and avoid being lured into fraudulent shortcuts that could lead to arrest, prosecution, or financial loss.
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