Fact Check: Safaricom not offering Prizes to shortlisted numbers

A link shared widely on social media has lured Kenyans thinking they would be offered prizes by Safaricom if they give out their phone numbers.

The link opens up to a website (safaricom20anniversary.com) with one page showing the Safaricom slogan and corporate image. It has a “check” request that asks for a user’s number to be able to check if one is one of the “lucky” 2,400 who will win prizes.

“Check if you have been selected for Safaricom’s Anniversary Cash Prize,” reads the only sentence on the page.

Safaricom PLC has cautioned its customers to be wary not to be conned after a link circulated online asking Safaricom customers to give their numbers to win a prize.

“Do not be conned! Click on http://bit.ly/safoffers to know more about our 20th-anniversary offers,” reads a tweet from Safaricom PLC.

Another message alluding to the same claims that safaricom clients will receive Sh4,100 "as part off their 20th Anniversary prize giveaway program". 

Safaricom has responded by saying "this is fake. please ignore this.

"It hasn’t been established what the scammers intend to do with the number but it's obvious no one is getting any prize from the website.

The scam coincides with Safaricom’s 20^th anniversary which the mobile network company turned technology giant has been celebrating this week.

In the spirit of celebrating with its customers, the company has awarded sizable bundles for clients who have walked with them for 20 years.

“Customers who have been on the Safaricom network for 20 years, as well as customers turning 20 this year, will also receive a free 20GB data bundle valid for 7 days,” read a statement from the Company’s website.

The company will be offering a promotion hailed as 20@20 which will see its customers get 20MBs and 20mins for Sh20. It will also offer free 20 minutes across all networks to customers purchasing personalized tunukiwa voice offers.