Kenya Loan Scams Database
Kenyans lost over KES 2.3 billion to loan scams in 2024. Check this database before borrowing from any lender.
Quick Lender Check
Use our Scam Checker tool to verify if a lender is legitimate:
Check a Lender NowScam Types in Kenya
Advance Fee Fraud
45%Scammer asks for "processing fee," "insurance," or "tax" before releasing loan. Legitimate lenders deduct fees from loan amount.
Identity Theft
25%Collects personal data (ID, M-PESA PIN) to steal money or take loans in your name.
Loan App Harassment
20%Predatory apps that charge 500%+ interest and harass borrowers by contacting their phone contacts.
Phishing
10%Fake websites or messages impersonating real banks to steal login credentials.
Recently Reported Scams
| Name/Entity | Type | Reports | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Quick Cash Loans Kenya Last reported: 2026-11-20 | Advance Fee Fraud | 127 | Confirmed Scam |
Instant Loans KE Last reported: 2026-11-18 | Identity Theft | 89 | Confirmed Scam |
FastMoney254 Last reported: 2026-11-15 | Advance Fee Fraud | 67 | Confirmed Scam |
Kenya Rapid Loans Last reported: 2026-11-22 | Loan App Harassment | 156 | Under Investigation |
EasyPesa Loans Last reported: 2026-11-10 | Phishing | 45 | Confirmed Scam |
This database is crowdsourced. Inclusion does not constitute legal judgment. Always verify with CBK and do your own due diligence.
Red Flags to Watch For
Upfront fees required
Legitimate lenders deduct fees from loan amount, never ask for payment before disbursement.
Guaranteed approval
No legitimate lender guarantees approval without checking your creditworthiness.
No physical address
Real lenders have verifiable offices. Check if the address exists.
Requests M-PESA PIN
Your PIN should NEVER be shared. This is always a scam.
Pressure tactics
"Limited time offer" or "Act now" are manipulation techniques.
Too good to be true rates
Interest rates significantly below market rate are bait.
Unverified CBK license
Check CBK website for list of licensed lenders.
WhatsApp-only communication
Legitimate lenders have official channels, not just WhatsApp.
Verified Legitimate Lenders
These lenders are CBK-licensed or verified mobile lenders:
Report a Scam
Help protect others by reporting suspicious lenders:
Report to Authorities
- CBK: 0800 720 722
- DCI Cybercrime: 0800 723 253
- Safaricom: 0722 000 000
FAQ
How do I check if a lender is legitimate?▼
Verify the lender is licensed by CBK by checking their official list. Legitimate lenders have physical offices, never ask for upfront fees, and never request your M-PESA PIN.
What should I do if I was scammed?▼
Report to CBK (0800 720 722), DCI Cybercrime (0800 723 253), and file a report with Safaricom if M-PESA was involved. Document all communication and transactions.
Can I get my money back from a loan scam?▼
Recovery is difficult but possible. Report immediately to authorities, contact your bank to attempt reversal, and keep all evidence. The sooner you report, the better your chances.
Why do scammers ask for upfront fees?▼
Advance fee fraud is the most common loan scam. Legitimate lenders deduct fees from the loan amount - they never require payment before disbursement.
Media & Research Use
Journalists, researchers, and consumer advocates: This data is free to use with attribution under Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0.