M-Pesa Promotion Scam was reported as a recurring impersonation scheme in which fraudsters send SMS messages claiming that recipients have won prizes through a Safaricom or M-Pesa promotion. The messages are typically designed to appear official and target users with promises of cash rewards or other winnings.
Victims are allegedly instructed to send money as a “processing,” “clearance,” or “release” fee before the supposed prize can be claimed. Reports indicate that many people have lost money after responding to these messages and transferring funds to numbers controlled by the scammers.
Safaricom has repeatedly warned customers that legitimate M-Pesa promotions do not require winners to pay fees before receiving prizes. The reported scam should therefore be distinguished from genuine Safaricom and M-Pesa promotions, and users are advised to verify prize notifications through official Safaricom channels before sending money or sharing personal information.
Reported 10 Feb 2026
