Celtel Kenya has warned the public to be wary of a syndicate of fraudsters using the network to con unsuspecting subscribers.

Through unsolicited SMS text messages and telephone calls, con men are targeting unsuspecting subscribers and informing them that they have won prizes in an ongoing Celtel promotion. The recipients are then requested to buy airtime minutes and send them to a designated number.

According to Michael Okwiri, head of corporate affairs at Celtel, the public should not fall for such pranks because the company uses one number (0734-111777) to call winners under the ongoing Imarisha Biashara (Improve your business) promotion, with eligibility limited to Celtel-authorized retailers countrywide.

"When Celtel conducts any promotional activity, all instructions for participation and redemption of prizes will be clearly publicized, using the electronic and print media. All information regarding terms and conditions of the promotional activity will also be clearly articulated and included in this communication," said Okwiri.

Okwiri was responding to a recent outcry after fraudsters took advantage of the various SMS promotions to get people's banking details, passport and identity card details. In some cases, the fraudsters dupe the victims with the promise of media publicity. The "winners" are asked to send money via electronic transfer and wait at a certain place for media coverage.

"During promotions, Celtel does not ask winners to provide personal information via SMS, inclusive of bank account details, identity card or passport details, to transfer or top up of airtime (to any mobile number) or make cash or any other payments to any person in order to receive prizes," Okwiri said.

Legal experts have been debating whether a victim of a con can go to court and make a claim against a mobile-phone company. Some lawyers argue that people can make a claim against the mobile-phone company because it is hard to track the crooks.

Nairobi lawyer Paul Mwangi said it would be difficult for anybody to claim against a service provider unless there is proof that the provider knew about a fraud syndicate and failed to take necessary measures to safeguard the public.

To shield the public and safeguard against any legal claims, Okwiri said Celtel is working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and ensure that the fraudsters' operations are brought to an end.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.