A group of Kenyans has been left devastated after losing nearly Ksh 300 million in an alleged investment scam perpetrated by a woman known as Passy ma Trevor, a well-known HIV activist. The victims, many of whom were drawn in by her social media presence and reputation for philanthropy, are now grappling with the harsh reality that they may never recover their lost funds.
The scam, which began in 2022, promised investors an extraordinary monthly return of 23.5% on their investments. Passy ma Trevor, who had built a significant following on Facebook through her courageous advocacy for people living with HIV, used her platform to attract potential investors. Her online persona, characterized by acts of kindness such as organizing fundraisers and helping those in need, made her appear trustworthy and credible to her fans.
When Passy announced that she was looking for investors, many of her followers saw it as an opportunity to support a cause they believed in while earning a significant return on their money. She also launched a new land firm that offered plots under a “Lipa Mdogo Mdogo” payment plan, which further convinced investors of her business acumen.
Believing that Passy was a business expert who could double their money, hundreds of her followers invested millions of shillings into her scheme. Her reputation as a generous and caring activist who regularly engaged in public acts of charity made the proposition even more enticing. However, what many did not realize was that these fundraisers, which Passy used to bolster her image, were later exposed as part of a broader scheme to enrich herself.
By Newshub