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AI Deepfakes Are the New Face of Fraud: How to Spot Fake Safaricom Offers
Imagine scrolling through social media and seeing a video of a Safaricom executive promising to double customers’ Fuliza limits. The face looks familiar, the voice sounds genuine, and the offer seems tempting. Would you trust it?
At the launch of Safaricom’s 15th Sustainability Report, CEO Peter Ndegwa highlighted the scale of cybersecurity threats facing the company. During the 2025/2026 financial year, Safaricom detected and monitored about 1.25 billion intrusion attempts and investigated more than 130,000 security events. Over the same period, privacy trust scores recovered to 70% for M-PESA and 61% for Safaricom.
While these figures reflect the broader cybersecurity challenge, customers also face scams that exploit Safaricom’s trusted name. Fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake videos, clone voices and imitate Safaricom websites to promote fraudulent giveaways, promise higher Fuliza limits or steal personal information.
Through the #JiulizeKamaNiUkweli campaign, customers are encouraged to question such offers and verify them through official Safaricom channels before taking action.
How AI Is Changing Online Fraud
AI tools allow fraudsters to create realistic videos, convincing advertisements and websites that resemble legitimate platforms. A fake video may appear to show a Safaricom executive endorsing a promotion, while an imitation website may copy the company’s logo, colours and design.
These scams may promise free cash, doubled Fuliza limits or exclusive rewards. Victims may then be directed to suspicious links, asked to pay a fee to claim a prize or tricked into revealing their M-PESA PINs and one-time passwords.
A familiar face, convincing voice or Safaricom logo does not prove that an offer is genuine.
Three Warning Signs to Watch For
1. Unnatural audio or video
Watch for mismatched lip movements, unusual facial expressions or audio that sounds unnatural. However, advanced deepfakes can be difficult to identify by sight or sound alone.
2. Offers that sound too good to be true
Be cautious of promises to double your Fuliza limit instantly, prizes you never entered to win or investments guaranteeing unusually high returns. Pressure to act quickly is another warning sign.
3. Suspicious links and requests
Check website addresses carefully, even when a page looks authentic. Requests for your M-PESA PIN, one-time password or an upfront payment to unlock a supposed benefit should raise concerns.
These signs can help you question an offer, but independent verification remains the safest approach.
Apply the Stop, Think, Act/Verify Rule
Before responding to an unfamiliar Safaricom offer, follow three simple steps:
- STOP: Pause before clicking a link, making a payment or sharing personal information.
- THINK: Ask whether the offer is realistic. Does it promise unusually large rewards or demand confidential details?
- ACT/VERIFY: Confirm the offer through Safaricom’s official channels. Do not rely solely on links or contact details provided in a suspicious message.
Remember: Stop the rush. Think about the signs. Verify before you act.
What to Do If You Spot a Suspected Deepfake
Avoid clicking suspicious links or forwarding unverified promotions as genuine information. Check Safaricom’s official channels and report suspicious content through the relevant platform or official reporting channels.
If you have already shared sensitive information or made a payment, contact Safaricom through its official customer-care channels promptly. If you have lost money, consider reporting the incident to the relevant authorities.
Protecting Trust in the Digital Age
Safaricom’s cybersecurity figures highlight the scale of digital threats, while fake promotions show how criminals can exploit customer trust. As AI makes impersonation more convincing, verifying information before acting becomes increasingly important.
Through #JiulizeKamaNiUkweli, the message is simple: do not let a familiar face, convincing voice or tempting Fuliza offer replace independent verification.
Before you click, share or pay, ask yourself: Is it really true?
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