Communication regulatory body warns against online scams
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has called on all users of communication services across the country to remain alert against online fraudsters, urging them to utilise dedicated short codes to report suspicious activities and protect themselves from digital scams.
Speaking in a special interview in Dar es Salaam recently, TCRA Director General, Dr Jabiri Bakari, said the authority continues to intensify public awareness campaigns aimed at equipping consumers with the knowledge needed to safely navigate digital platforms while benefiting from expanding opportunities in the communication sector.
Dr Bakari highlighted that rapid advance in information and communication technologies (ICT), coupled with the widespread adoption of digital services, have significantly improved service delivery and driven economic transformation.
However, he stressed that consumer protection must remain central to the country’s digital progress.
“ICT has become a key enabler across nearly every sector of the economy, including postal and courier services, broadcasting, telecommunications, and internet services. Beyond communications, digital technologies are increasingly supporting agriculture, tourism, finance, education, healthcare, transportation, and mining. This makes cybersecurity awareness essential for every person,” Dr Bakari stressed.
TCRA reminded users who receive suspicious calls or messages, signalling fraud, to report the numbers via SMS to 15040, a toll-free short code that allows authorities to investigate and block fraudulent lines.
Consumers were also advised not to follow instructions from callers using personal numbers claiming to represent mobile network operators.
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The official customer care number for all mobile service providers remains 100. People were further cautioned against responding to calls, text messages, or emails claiming they have won lotteries they never entered. Such messages should be immediately deleted to avoid falling victim to scams.
As part of its awareness campaign, TCRA also advised users to verify how many SIM cards are registered under their National Identification Number by dialling *106#. Anyone identifying unfamiliar numbers should report them to their mobile service provider for deactivation.
The communications sector in Tanzania has recorded remarkable growth in recent years. According to TCRA’s national communications statistics, mobile money accounts reached 76,466,691 by December 2025, while internet subscriptions grew by 3.2 percent between September and December 2025, increasing from 56,322,287 to 58,106,264.
Despite this growth, the authority cautioned people against sharing personal or financial information unless they are certain they are dealing with legitimate service providers. Encouragingly, TCRA reported a significant decline in fraud incidents within mobile networks.
Cases fell by 24 percent between September and December 2025, dropping from 12,475 to 9,450 incidents. Overall, fraud cases have dropped sharply since September 2023, when 23,328 incidents were recorded.
However, authorities warned that fraudsters remain active, with Rukwa and Morogoro regions continue to report the highest number of fraud cases. TCRA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening consumer protection while ensuring Tanzanians can fully benefit from the country’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
