Many Kenyans have been left counting losses after falling victim to a deceptive online store operating under the name Gadget 254.
The store projects the image of a genuine electronics retailer through its social media platforms and website, attracting unsuspecting buyers with deals that seem too good to ignore.
What appears to be a professional operation quickly turns into a nightmare for customers once they make a purchase.
The store uses social media handles such as “Gadget Store” on Facebook and “@xuk_gadgets” on Instagram to advertise flashy gadgets including phones, televisions, and sound systems.
Their posts are consistent, eye-catching, and accompanied by promises of fast delivery and top-quality products.
They also include a website link, https://tinyurl.com/ytj8597f, which adds a sense of legitimacy to the operation. Customers who inquire about products are directed to a man calling himself “Abdi,” who introduces himself as the sales and stores manager.
He communicates confidently, often assuring clients that their goods will be dispatched immediately from their so-called store in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
The scam begins when Abdi requests full payment before delivery. Once the money is sent, he claims the product has been shipped via Wells Fargo courier services and even provides a driver’s contact number, 0712 639835.
However, the driver never picks up calls. When customers demand answers, Abdi gives various excuses saying the package was damaged, delayed, or held for inspection. He then introduces another twist, alleging that the Kenya Revenue Authority has detained the goods for VAT clearance.
Victims are asked to pay an additional amount to settle the supposed tax issue, after which he sends fake receipts as proof. Once this second payment is made, all communication ends.
Calls go unanswered, messages are ignored, and customers are blocked from all Gadget 254 pages.
The whistleblower who exposed this scam narrated how he lost more than Ksh 100,000 after being promised a television set. He was taken through a series of lies, including fake delivery updates and VAT charges.
When he requested a refund, Abdi instructed him to send an email to homeappliences99@gmail.com. The email went unanswered, and that was the last time he ever heard from them.
The whistleblower later discovered that the entire operation was fraudulent and designed to dupe multiple victims using the same tactics.
The scam continues to operate, targeting new victims through social media platforms with professionally edited images, attractive discounts, and persuasive posts. One noticeable red flag is the lack of genuine customer feedback or physical verification of their store.
However, many people still overlook these warning signs due to the appealing prices and urgency created by the scammers.
Experts in cybercrime have raised alarm over the growing number of such online frauds in Kenya.
They note that many people have become victims of fake online stores that use believable branding and communication styles to build trust quickly.
Unfortunately, a large percentage of victims never report these cases out of embarrassment or fear of being blamed. This silence allows fraudsters like Gadget 254 to continue operating unchecked.
Authorities have been urged to investigate and shut down digital scams like Gadget 254 that exploit the rise of online shopping in Kenya.
Every phone number, social media page, and website tied to these fraudulent businesses forms part of a larger web of deception that preys on the trust of ordinary citizens.
The story of Gadget 254 serves as a painful reminder of how easy it is to lose money in the online marketplace. It calls for more vigilance among buyers to verify businesses before making payments.
Shoppers are encouraged to seek reviews, confirm physical addresses, and avoid upfront payments where possible.
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