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Free data for Kenyans during coronavirus outbreak? No, it’s a scam

Kenya’s government is giving every citizen 200 GB of data to encourage them to stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak, claims a message doing the rounds on Facebook and WhatsApp.

“Kenyan government moves into action. All Kenyan citizens are entitled to 200GB of data to stay at home to counter the Covid-19 case. We offer you 200GB of free internet connection.” it reads.

“All Kenya citizens are entitled to a free internet connection to stay at home safely and enjoy the internet in a bid to control the spread of Covid-19. The free internet package is available to everyone starting from Sunday 12 of April 2020.”

It then invites users to visit a website to apply for the free data.



‘Cyber bullying, stealing of finances’


But Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations has warned that the message is a scam.

“Members of the public are hereby warned that criminals are using the Covid-19 pandemic to scam them through circulation of phishing emails purporting to sell non-existent items & messages that are accompanied by links that purport to offer free goodies like data bundles, money, airtime among other things,” the DCI posted on its Facebook page.

“Such links have largely been found to be infected with malware that triggers mining of personal information, passwords, photos, contacts among other valuables that are subsequently used to extort, for cyber bullying, stealing of finances among other ills.” – Dancan Bwire




 

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