The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) has warned the public to be cautious of fraudulent schemes using the UN name, logo, and images to swindle unsuspecting individuals.
UNON Director General Zainab Bangura said the organization is aware of rising cases of fraudsters targeting people with false promises of jobs and procurement contracts.
“This has truly been very challenging to us. I would like to alert you that the UN is aware of fraudulent activities that come using UN names, logo and images targeting the public,” Bangura said.
“It comes out of people talking that there are many UN agencies coming here, procurement, claims that we are giving out many contracts.”
According to UNON, the scams are often spread through social media platforms, private messages on WhatsApp and Telegram, and verbal promises.
Victims are lured with offers of recruitment or procurement opportunities within the UN system.
The DG noted that the UN has had many incidences where people just show up with letters claiming to have jobs.
She further said that after investigations, it turns out the victims pay money to people to help them secure the fake jobs.
“We have people appearing at the gate saying I have a got a job I'm assigned I have to start working here. When we investigate this person has paid somebody and they even have a letter. It's just a scam. Because of saying UN are moving here and we have a lot of unemployment and people are being scammed for UN,” Bangura stated.
The UN clarified that it does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment or procurement processes.
“All UN recruitments and procurement processes are conducted through official channels. Payment at any stage of recruitment or procurement could be considered a bribe, which constitutes a crime,” Bangura warned.
She urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report to authorities any person or group demanding money for UN contracts or employment opportunities.
