Candidates and Parents Defrauded in KCSE Exam Paper Scam on Telegram
As the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams proceed, social media fraudsters have exploited candidates, teachers, and parents by promising unauthorized access to exam papers.
An investigation by NTV has uncovered a widespread scam on Telegram, where fraudsters are exploiting the ongoing KCSE exams.
According to the report, scammers advertise access to the KCSE papers for a specified fee, promising that the amount paid will determine the number of exam papers a person can access.
Fraudsters are reportedly taking photos of exam papers during or immediately after they are opened in exam rooms to attract more clients.
Fraudsters have set up a Telegram channel, claiming to offer early access to KCSE exam papers in exchange for payment.
One prominent Telegram channel, named “Official KCSE Leakages 2024,” has gained over 72,000 subscribers in just five days as exams continue.
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For a specified fee, users can allegedly purchase access to individual papers or opt for a VIP package, which promises access to all exam papers.
Within four days, thousands have reportedly joined the channel, suggesting that many Kenyans have fallen victim to the scam.
How the Fraud Operates
The Telegram channel, named “Official KCSE Leakages 2024,” offers two types of access:
- Single Exam Paper – Priced at Ksh 3,500 per paper.
- VIP Access – Originally set at Ksh 18,000, it has now been reduced to Ksh 12,000 as the exams progress.
Despite these promises, users who paid for access received no materials. NTV’s investigative team tested the claims by paying for both a single paper and VIP access, but received no exam papers.
Instead, they were met with automated messages and instructions, confirming suspicions of fraud.
Fraudsters Lure Victims with Real Exam Photos
The scammers’ tactic of posting photos of exam papers as soon as each test begins adds to the illusion of legitimacy.
While these photos are not shared beforehand, they create the impression that the scammers have prior access to the exams, encouraging more users to pay for access.
This act, which is prohibited by examination regulations, suggests the possible involvement of exam center staff who might be capturing and sharing photos of the papers in real time.
Such actions raise concerns over collusion, as these images could be used to attract new victims.
Government’s Response to Cheating Scams
Education officials have condemned the misuse of technology in aiding cheating schemes.
Acknowledging the photos taken of exam papers, authorities pointed to a few cases where exam officers breached protocol by photographing papers after removing them from secure containers.
The government emphasized that technology should be used responsibly, warning against any “monkey business” that could compromise the integrity of the exam process.
Victims of the Scam and Money Transfer Details
Victims sent money to mobile accounts under the names “O.S. Langat” and “Bernard Kibet,” with transactions routed through mobile money services.
ALSO READ: Telegram Restricted in Kenya to Combat KCSE Exam Cheating: Suspension Schedule
The growing number of victims points to a need for greater awareness to protect Kenyans from such fraudulent schemes.
This investigation highlights the ongoing battle against exam-related scams in Kenya, revealing the lengths to which fraudsters will go to exploit students, parents, and teachers amid national exams.
Candidates and Parents Defrauded in KCSE Exam Paper Scam on Telegram
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