Renowned media personality Janet Mbugua recently sounded the alarm over a disturbing case of digital fraud involving her identity. The celebrated journalist took to her social platforms to expose an individual who had been impersonating her online, using her name and photographs in an attempt to defraud unsuspecting individuals — including a senior public official.
Janet expressed her dismay at the situation, describing the experience as both strange and unsettling. She explained that the impersonator had been actively using her likeness to scam people, and even shared the phone number linked to the fraudulent activities. The revelation came after she received information that the scammer had reached out to a high-ranking public figure under the guise of being Janet.
Issuing a stern warning, Janet urged her followers and the general public to be vigilant. She asked anyone who might have received suspicious messages allegedly from her to report the account immediately. She emphasized the importance of verifying any communication through her official and verified platforms before responding or taking action.
“Poleni if you’ve been affected,” she said, apologizing to anyone who may have been misled or harmed by the impersonator. She reminded the public that digital fraud is a harsh reality in the modern world and encouraged everyone to stay alert.
This incident is a reflection of a growing concern in the digital age — identity theft and impersonation. Public figures are frequent targets for scammers, who often use their likeness to gain trust and manipulate victims. The level of sophistication in these scams can be alarming, making it increasingly difficult to detect fraudulent behavior at first glance.
Janet’s experience is not an isolated case. In a separate incident, a woman from Laikipia found herself in a similarly devastating situation. She discovered that someone else had used her identity to fraudulently obtain a teaching position with the Teachers Service Commission. The impersonator, with forged academic credentials and personal documents, worked under the victim’s name for nearly a year. During this time, the fraudster received a salary and even secured a substantial loan of over KSh 1.8 million using the stolen identity. The real identity owner only became aware of the situation after discovering the loan in her name, prompting a police report and eventual court proceedings against the impersonator.
Cases like these highlight the serious impact of digital identity theft, which can leave lasting damage both personally and professionally for victims. The consequences can include financial loss, reputational damage, and psychological distress.
In yet another case, a teacher was recently brought before the court after being accused of impersonating June Ruto, the daughter of the President. The accused allegedly created a fake social media account under her name, prompting legal action and a request for further investigation.
These stories serve as a reminder that while the internet offers incredible opportunities, it also comes with significant risks. Vigilance, awareness, and verification are key tools in protecting oneself from digital fraud. As the cases of Janet Mbugua and others show, anyone can be targeted, making it crucial to stay informed and cautious.
