Don't fall for this fake Facebook account offering Kenyans motorbikes on credit
IN SHORT: The motorbike taxi industry provides an income for many young people in Kenya. But be on the lookout for imposters riding on the names of established businesses in the sector to scam you.
The Facebook account Mark holding's Company targets young Kenyans who want to make a living in the motorbike taxi industry by offering them motorbikes on credit.
The account claims that users can own new and used motorbikes by paying a deposit of at least KSh7,500 (about US$57.5) and the rest in small daily instalments.
It uses the name and photos of Mark Holdings Limited, a Kenyan company that sells motorbikes and spare parts.
The account requires potential buyers to have an original identity card, Kenya Revenue Authority details, the deposit, and two people to guarantee the loan.
It promises to deliver the motorbikes countrywide within six to 24 hours and provides phone numbers for applications.
But how legit are these offers? We checked.
Imposter account
Africa Check noted that the account has been posting its adverts in public Facebook groups with thousands of members. This is a telltale sign that it may be fake. Fake accounts and pages often use this trick to reach as many unsuspecting people as possible.
The account does not link to any website or app, one of the basic requirements for reputable businesses to build customer trust and confidence. This is another red flag.
Their adverts have spelling mistakes and lack key punctuation. This indicates that they are not from a professional company that cares about its image. Legitimate businesses have well-written adverts that are unique but send similar messages.
Africa Check reached out to Mark Holdings Limited and asked for its website and Facebook page. The company provided its official website as www.markholdingskenya.com and its official Facebook page as BAJAJ BOXER BIKES. However, no such offers appear on the official page.
The page in question is an imposter and the offers are scams.
