5 crypto scams every Kenyan should know (and how to stay safe online)

Crypto has opened doors for many people in Kenya. You can save, trade, and grow your money from your phone. At the same time, scams have also increased in frequency. Scammers are aware that many new users are still learning about how cryptocurrency works. They hide behind fake profiles, Telegram groups, and promises of easy profits.

If you use Busha or any crypto platform, your safety starts with understanding how these scams work. When you know what to look out for, you protect your money and your peace of mind.

Below are five common crypto scams to be aware of in Kenya, including how they work and steps you can take to avoid them.

1. Telegram groups pretending to be Busha

Some scammers create Telegram groups that appear to be official Busha channels. The group name may include the Busha logo, and the messages inside may look convincing. They may promise trading signals, giveaways, or "secret profit tips."

Once you join, they slowly build trust. Later, they will ask you to deposit money into a wallet they control, or they will attempt to trick you into giving them access to your account.

How to stay safe:

• Busha no longer has an active Telegram account. Any Telegram group using the Busha name is fake.
• The new official community is hosted on Circle, where you can learn, ask questions, and stay up-to-date with crypto updates.
• Only join groups or communities linked directly from the Busha app or website.
• Avoid sending money to any individual claiming to represent Busha.
• If something feels unclear or suspicious, open the in-app support chat and ask directly.

2. People pretending to be Busha support in DMs

Scammers sometimes send direct messages on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or WhatsApp claiming to be from “Busha Support.” They usually reach out after you post something about crypto online. They act polite and helpful at first, then they request sensitive information like:

• Your email
• Your verification details
• Your login code
• Your password (or something close to it)

Once they get access to your account, they can drain your balance within minutes.

How to stay safe:

• Busha Support will never DM you first.
• Support is only available through chats with you on the Busha app or official website.
• Never share login codes with anyone.

If someone messages you claiming to be Busha, assume it is a scam until confirmed.

3. “Assisted trading” scams

This is one of the most common scams affecting new crypto users. Someone tells you they can “trade on your behalf” and give you huge profits. They may sound friendly and confident. They may even show screenshots of “profits” to make it look real.

Here is the truth:

If someone could make money that easily, they would trade for themselves. Scammers want you to send your crypto to them so they can disappear with it.

How to stay safe:

• Avoid giving anyone control of your wallet.
• Learn how to trade for yourself or stick to a simple buy-and-hold strategy.
• Take your time to understand what you are investing in.

There is no shortcut. If you do not fully understand how the money grows, then someone else is controlling your risk.

4. People promising crazy returns

You may see offers like:

• "Double your crypto in two hours"
• "Turn 5,000 KES into 200,000 KES in a week"
• "Guaranteed returns"

Scammers use hype to make you act fast. They want you to send money before you have time to think.

Crypto can grow, but it also fluctuates in value. No one can guarantee profits. Any promise of guaranteed profit is a scam.

How to stay safe:

• If the returns sound too high, step back.
• Search the name of the person or platform online.
• Read what other users are saying.
• Check reviews from trusted communities, not the comments they control.

5. Fake Busha Kenya social media pages

Some scammers create pages that copy the Busha brand and claim to be "Busha Kenya" or “Busha Africa.” They copy the logo and colours, but the account handles are slightly different.

Here is how to identify the real ones:

Official Busha Kenya Channels:

• Instagram: @getbushakenya 
• Twitter: @getbushakenya 
• Facebook: @getbushakenya 
• Website: busha.co
• Support: Only inside the official Busha app

If a page does not match these, treat it as suspicious.

Also, check if the page has:

• Consistent brand content
• Clear messaging
• Links back to the official website

If the page posts giveaways every day or promotes quick-profit schemes, it is likely fake.

The key rule: DYOR (Do your own research)

DYOR means taking responsibility for checking before trusting. It means:

• Confirming information from official sources
• Reading before you invest
• Asking questions when something feels rushed or unclear

Scammers win when you are in a hurry. Slow down and verify.

Trust is good. Verification is better.

Final guidance

Crypto is powerful. It gives you control over your money. With that power comes responsibility. You are your own first line of defence.

Always remember:

• Your wallet is yours. Protect it.
• Your login details are private.
• No one can grow your money for you without taking on some risk.

If you ever feel unsure, open your Busha app and chat with our support team. That extra second of checking can save you a lot of stress later.

Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay safe.