Kenyan social media influencer Nicki Bigfish has said he was given counterfeit currency while travelling to Uganda, only realizing the notes were fake after arriving in Kampala.
In a post shared on his verified Instagram account, Bigfish told followers that the incident happened at a border crossing where he was exchanging money before proceeding with his journey. He said he believed he had received legitimate cash during the transaction, but later discovered the notes were counterfeit.
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The influencer did not disclose the amount of money involved. However, he described the experience as a “costly mistake” and cautioned travelers against engaging in informal currency exchanges at border points.
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“Be careful when exchanging money at the border,” he wrote, warning followers to verify notes before leaving the transaction point.
                                                                      Nicki Bigfish // Instagram

How Cross-Border Currency Scams Occur

Financial analysts say informal cash exchanges at border crossings can expose travelers to fraud.

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According to regional economic observers:
  • Transactions conducted outside licensed bureaux de change are difficult to trace.
  • Large volumes of cash often change hands quickly in busy border environments.
  • Fraudsters may swap genuine notes with counterfeit ones during distractions.
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Both Kenya and Uganda have, in past public notices, warned citizens about the circulation of counterfeit currency. Law enforcement agencies regularly advise traders and travelers to check security features embedded in banknotes, including watermarks, security threads and color-shifting elements.
Cross-border trade remains a significant economic activity within the East African region, with thousands of traders and travelers moving between Kenya and Uganda daily. Much of this activity involves cash transactions, particularly in informal markets.


Nicki Bigfish // Instagram

Advice to Travelers

  • Using licensed banks or recognized bureaux de change.
  • Counting and verifying notes before leaving the exchange counter.
  • Avoiding rushed transactions in crowded areas.
  • Reporting suspected fraud to authorities immediately.
As of his latest public update, Bigfish had not confirmed whether the matter was formally reported to authorities in either country.