Avoid Scams: Kenya → Romania
How to spot and avoid recruitment fraud | Updated January 2026 | 12 min read
The Kenya-Romania recruitment route is unfortunately plagued with scams. This guide will help you identify red flags, protect yourself, and choose legitimate pathways.
⚠️ The Harsh Reality
Thousands of Kenyans lose money to fake recruiters every year. Scammers exploit desperation and lack of information. Many victims lose KSh 50,000-200,000 or more.
This guide exists to protect you. Read it carefully.
🚩 RED FLAGS - Run Away If You See These
Guaranteed visa approval or job placement
Why it's a scam: NO ONE can guarantee visa approval. Only Romanian authorities decide. Anyone promising 100% success is lying.
Large upfront fees before any services
Why it's a scam: Legitimate recruiters don't ask for tens of thousands upfront. They may charge for assistance, but not before proving legitimacy.
Too-good-to-be-true salaries (€4,000+ for entry-level)
Why it's a scam: Real Romanian salaries for Kenyan workers: €800-€2,500. If someone promises €5,000 for construction work, it's a scam.
No physical office or verifiable business
Why it's a scam: Scammers operate from WhatsApp only. Legitimate companies have offices, websites, email addresses (not @gmail.com).
Pressure to pay immediately
Why it's a scam: Scammers create false urgency: "only 5 spots left!" or "pay today or lose opportunity." Real processes don't work this way.
Offering to "buy" you a job
Why it's a scam: Jobs cannot be bought. This is bribery and fraud. You'll pay and get nothing.
Can't provide written contracts or agreements
Why it's a scam: Everything legitimate should be in writing. Verbal promises are worthless in disputes.
Uses only social media (WhatsApp/Telegram/Facebook)
Why it's a scam: Real companies have professional websites, physical offices, and multiple contact methods.
✅ GREEN FLAGS - What to Look For
Common Scam Tactics (Real Examples)
Scam #1: The Fake Job Offer
How it works: Scammer posts "job opening" on Facebook with amazing salary. After you apply, they ask for money to "process your application" or "secure the position."
Protection: Real employers don't charge candidates to apply. If a recruiter asks for money to apply, it's fake.
Scam #2: The Visa Fee Advance
How it works: Scammer says you need to pay visa fees "in advance" through them. They promise to handle everything. You send money, they disappear.
Protection: Visa fees are paid directly to the embassy, not to recruiters. Never send "visa fees" to anyone.
Scam #3: The Document Collection Scam
How it works: Scammer collects all your documents (passport, certificates) claiming they'll submit them. They either sell your documents or use them for fraud.
Protection: Never give original documents to anyone. Only provide certified copies until you verify legitimacy.
How to Verify a Recruiter is Legitimate
- Check company registration: Verify business registration with relevant authorities
- Physical office: Visit their office or ask for verifiable address
- Online presence: Professional website (not just Facebook page)
- Email domain: Company email (@horizoncrossings.com) not @gmail.com
- References: Ask to speak with past successful candidates
- Written contracts: Everything should be documented in writing
- Fee transparency: Clear breakdown of what each fee covers
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
- Report to police: File a report at your local police station immediately
- Contact DCI: Report to Directorate of Criminal Investigations
- Bank reversal: If paid via M-PESA/bank, request reversal immediately
- Warn others: Share scammer's details on social media to prevent others from falling victim
- Legal action: Consider legal recourse if amount is substantial
Remember:
- If it sounds too easy, it probably is. Real migration takes time, documents, and proper process.
- No one can guarantee visa approval. Only Romanian authorities decide.
- Legitimate recruiters prepare you, they don't sell visas.
- Your desperation is what scammers exploit. Take time to verify before paying.