Police in Nairobi have opened an investigation into a fake tender advert published in a local daily by con artists masquerading as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The tender notice appearing on Sunday Nation on May 31st called for the supply of consumable goods including vegetable oil, table salt, long grain rice, bar soap, maize meal, and gas cylinders, among others.
But in a statement last Tuesday, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation stated that it does not have offices in Nairobi and warned Kenyans against falling prey to the racketeers behind the fake notice. Potentials suppliers were required to pay Sh4,100 for each bid.
The fraudsters indicated in the advert that they are from the Supply Unit Division of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation regional office in Nairobi.
“We are aware of a potential scam involving a foundation office in Nairobi, Kenya. Please know that we do not have any office in Nairobi, Kenya, and ask that you report any fraudulent activity to local authorities in Kenya,” the foundation stated.
“The foundation is aware of numerous forms of fraudulent correspondence including, but not limited to: email, postal mail, fax, and telephone, all claiming to be from, or associated with, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. They are circulating in a number of different languages and often include foundation logo, photos, links, or other information.”
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched a probe after Nation Media Group reported the matter.
NCBA Bank and Safaricom have also blocked the account and till number the fraudsters were using to receive payments from interested bidders.
Those who may have been conned through the tender scam have been asked to report to the nearest police station.
They should start with fake…
They should start with fake military tender guys. Old habits die hard.