Mobile banking fraud cases increased by 87.2% to 146, the highest in 2024

Key takeaways

  • Total fraud cases in Kenyan banks rose from 173 in 2023 to 353 in 2024.
  • Mobile banking fraud cases jumped by 87.2% to 146, making it the most common fraud type.
  • Online banking fraud recorded the steepest rise, growing by 457.9% to 106 cases.
  • Identity theft increased by 51.4%, reaching 56 reported cases in 2024.
  • Internet scams increased by 28.6%, totalling 9 cases in 2024.

Fraud cases in Kenyan banks surged sharply in 2024, nearly doubling from 173 cases in 2023 to 353 cases in 2024. Mobile banking fraud emerged as the biggest contributor, rising by 87.2% to 146 cases, the highest among all fraud categories. However, the most striking growth came from online banking fraud, which skyrocketed by 457.9%, showing how digital channels are becoming increasingly exploited by fraudsters.

Identity theft also saw significant growth, rising by 51.4% to 56 cases, indicating that fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated in exploiting personal data. Card fraud and computer fraud cases grew at slower rates of 14.3% and 9.1% respectively, showing that while traditional fraud channels remain relevant, the bigger risk is shifting towards digital platforms.

Source:

Central Bank of Kenya

Period:

2023 - 2024
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Kenya’s mobile banking fraud in 2024 exposed KES 981.7 billion, leading to losses of KES 810.7 billion
  • Kenya’s total fraud exposure in 2024 hit KES 2.0T, with KES 1.6T actually lost.
  • Mobile banking fraud was the largest contributor, with KES 981.7B exposed and KES 810.7B lost.
  • Mobile banking had an 82.6% loss rate, making it one of the riskiest fraud channels.
  • Computer fraud and internet scams recorded 100% loss rates, showing no funds were recovered.
  • Identity theft saw 97.9% of exposed amounts lost, translating to KES 199.1B.
  • Card fraud had a lower loss rate (59.9%) but still cost banks and customers KES 263.3B.
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With 146 cases, mobile banking fraud resulted in the highest loss of KES 810.7B
  • Kenya recorded 353 fraud cases in 2024, totalling KES 1.6T in losses.
  • Mobile banking fraud, with 146 cases, was the biggest threat, causing KES 810.7B in losses.
  • Card fraud had only 24 cases but resulted in KES 263.3B lost, showing its high risk. Computer fraud recorded 12 cases, leading to KES 203.4B in damages.
  • Identity theft saw 56 cases, costing banks and customers KES 199.1B.
  • Online banking fraud was the second most frequent (106 cases), but losses were relatively lower at KES 111.8B.
  • Internet scams had the fewest cases (9) but still caused KES 6.1B in losses.
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