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| An AI-generated image depicting a deep-blue BMW with a "SHARP BOY" custom license plate driving through a busy town center. |
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned Kenyans against being easily impressed by flashy lifestyles displayed online by people it refers to as “Sharp Boys” and “Sharp Girls” saying some of the wealth being showcased may be used to lure unsuspecting people into fraudulent schemes.
In a social media post on Monday, September 28, 2026, the DCI took a humorous but pointed approach in describing the online world of forex, cryptocurrency, arbitrage, betting, trading, Telegram signals and digital wallets. The agency said the displays often leave ordinary Kenyans wondering why they too cannot make similar money.
According to the DCI, the attraction is partly created through social media posts showing huge amounts of cash, luxury cars, expensive drinks, nightlife and international trips. It questioned the authenticity of some of the profits displayed on online trading dashboards describing some as “phantom profit” and warning that the appearance of sudden wealth should not automatically be taken as proof of legitimate financial success.
The agency also pointed out that some of the luxury vehicles featured in such posts may be hired for appearances. The carefully created image, it said can include expensive alcohol, shisha, cash stacks, high-end entertainment and captions suggesting that large amounts of money have just been withdrawn.
The DCI's concern is not that every person involved in forex, cryptocurrency, trading or arbitrage is a criminal. Rather, the agency warned that some individuals can use legitimate-sounding financial activities as a cover for fraudulent schemes.
The DCI listed several risks that can exist behind some of these online displays including online scams, phishing links, fake trading platforms, fake dashboards, fake wallets, identity fraud, deepfakes, social engineering and money laundering. It said unsuspecting people can be convinced to deposit money or provide personal information after being attracted by what appears to be an extremely successful lifestyle.
The warning comes against the background of previous DCI investigations into cybercrime and financial fraud. In one 2025 case, the agency reported that suspected cybercriminals used social engineering and caller-ID spoofing to impersonate customer-care agents and trick victims into revealing information that was then used to transfer money from their accounts.
In another investigation, the DCI reported that victims lost millions of shillings after being deceived by cybercriminals. The agency said some victims included retirees and other members of the public whose accounts were emptied after the suspects gained access to sensitive information.
More recently, in August 2026, DCI detectives arrested 14 suspects in Nakuru over alleged cybercrime activities. The agency said the suspects were allegedly operating fake websites used to deceive people looking to purchase bus tickets online with phones, SIM cards and other items seized during the operation.
The DCI has previously warned that financial crime and cybercrime are closely connected and has highlighted the importance of following the movement of money when investigating such offences. It has also identified social engineering as one of the commonly used techniques in online scams.
For Kenyans, the latest warning is therefore a reminder to look beyond the lifestyle being advertised online. A person posting piles of cash, expensive cars, overseas holidays or impressive trading screenshots is not by that fact alone proof that their source of income is genuine.
The DCI ended its message with a warning that those involved in criminal activities will be pursued, saying: “DCI is watching.” It also reminded Kenyans that the safety of the country depends partly on individuals being cautious about the people, platforms and financial opportunities they trust online.