Are Your Connections Genuine or Just a Scam?
When you think of college or university, what springs to mind? A treasure trove of knowledge? A diploma that opens doors? While these are certainly part of the package, I’d argue that the real gold mine lies in the connections you forge along the way. After all, a classmate can transform into a valuable ally in your career, or you might be able to help others in your network. In today’s cutthroat world, education alone is like trying to win a race with one shoe—relationships are the other shoe that keeps you steady on your feet!
Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on the darker side of these connections. It’s enough to make you feel like a cat who just found out it’s been living with a dog. Imagine trusting someone who once shared a desk with you during lectures, only to discover they’re more interested in scamming you than sharing notes. This is precisely what happened to me.
It all began with a seemingly innocent message on WhatsApp: “Hey, Niaje Collo. Long time no see.” My skepticism kicked in like an over-caffeinated squirrel, but I eventually recognized my long-lost friend in the profile picture, holding a little girl. Excitement bubbled within me at the thought of reconnecting with someone from my college days—like discovering a hidden treasure—a crisp one-thousand-shilling note tucked away in the pocket of a pair of trousers you thought had been lost to the abyss of your closet!
As I read his message, a rush of nostalgia washed over me, reminiscent of those carefree days when our biggest worry was whether we could survive another week of ugali omena. Little did I know that this seemingly innocent reconnection would lead me down a path filled with unexpected twists and turns—like a roller coaster designed by someone who’s never ridden one before!
He quickly shifted the conversation, declaring, “I have good news bro!” Intrigued, I responded eagerly, “What good news? I love good news!”
After a dramatic pause that felt longer than waiting for your toast to pop up, he revealed, “Have you heard about the ongoing promotion by USAID AFRICA ORGANIZATION FUND?” My initial reaction was disbelief mixed with curiosity. “Wow! This guy really landed a job with USAID?” I thought. I asked him for details.
He sent me screenshots from Google showcasing USAID funding opportunities for farmers and SMEs in the agricultural sector. To my astonishment, he claimed to have already received Ksh 200,000 from USAID and transferred it to his M-Shwari account.
Excited and naive, I asked how I could join without considering the possibility of a scam. He provided me with a contact number and instructed me to text starting with the word "Promotion." He assured me he would help if I encountered difficulties because “mimi ni kama bro wake.”
When I contacted the provided number, they informed me that I had qualified for funding and could choose my desired amount. At that moment, everything felt like a dream come true—like winning the lottery without buying a ticket! However, when my friend mentioned an activation fee for different amounts, alarm bells began ringing in my mind: "Scam Alert!!" Yet, my trust in him clouded my judgment like fog on a winter morning.
Despite my skepticism screaming louder than a toddler denied candy, I sent money to the number he provided. Soon after, I was informed that an additional fee for KRA was required—something my friend had failed to mention. Shocked and confused, I contacted him for clarification. His response? To do whatever it took to raise the extra funds.
Feeling increasingly desperate and betrayed—like a dog chasing its tail only to realize it’s been barking up the wrong tree—I asked him to lend me the amount needed until I could repay him. His reply was disheartening: He claimed he was broke and his money was locked away in savings.
With no other options left, I desperately tried to contact Safaricom customer care to reverse my payment, but it felt like trying to catch smoke with my bare hands—utterly futile! Days turned into weeks, and still no assistance arrived. Ultimately, in a fit of frustration, I reported his number as a scammer, hoping that at least someone would take my plight seriously—like shouting into the void and expecting a reply from the universe!
Lessons Learned
This experience taught me several invaluable lessons:
In conclusion, while higher education can foster meaningful connections that may lead to career opportunities, it is essential to navigate these relationships carefully. Trust should be earned and verified; otherwise, you may regret misplaced faith in those you once considered friends.