Online fraud down by 28pc as measures intensified

DAR ES SALAAM: REPORTED mobile network fraudulent acts have decreased by 28 per cent between June and September this year, thanks to intensified government’s action and heightened consumer awareness campaigns.

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) Director General, Dr Jabiri Bakari, revealed in the latest Sector Performance Statistical Report that fraudulent attempts dropped from 22,267 in June 2024 to 16,069 by the end of September.

Dr Bakari attributed the decrease to widespread public awareness campaigns that encouraged citizens to report suspicious phone numbers via the toll-free SMS number 15040.

He also said strong collaboration between key stakeholders, including mobile service providers was also a critical factor in the success.

In a new government drive to further combat the criminal acts, the ministries of information, communications and information technology and home affairs recently convened a high-level stakeholder consultative meeting to address network fraud and cyber security.

Participants included mobile phone licensees and other online safety stakeholders.

The Minister for Information, Communications and Information Technology (MICIT), Mr Jerry Silaa, appealed to users of mobile services to continue reporting by sending fraudsters phone numbers by sms to 15040 free of charge.

The Minister was addressing reporters during a press conference held at TCRA Mawasiliano Towers in Dar Es Salaam recently. Fraudsters include con men who target unsuspecting consumers and mobile money agents.

The criminals swap victims’ SIM cards after stealing their identities, personal information and account authentication and authorisation codes.

They use these to access mobile money and bank accounts.

Mr Silaa explained that the vice undermined the government’s strategies to promote financial inclusion and build a digital economy, reminding Wananchi that communication between service provers and users is through number 100 only.

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He said his ministry and the Ministry of Home Affairs would intensify action against mobile network fraud, particularly in the regions with the most incidents. Rukwa, Morogoro and Mbeya regions accounted for 77 per cent of the incidents.

Mr Silaa who was accompanied by the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Hamad Masauni, directed TCRA and mobile network operators to introduce stricter SIM card registration measures, particularly in regions with the most reported frauds.

TCRA implements a rolling public awareness campaign and urges Tanzanians to be vigilant against mobile network fraud and report incidents to TCRA through its toll-free code 15040.

TCRA launched a countrywide, multi-pronged campaign to raise public awareness of digital opportunities and cyber security.

The campaign will run from October to December 2024 and January to March 2025. TCRA will disseminate cybersecurity tips and techniques.

The campaign also includes how to detect misleading online content, including detecting fake news and reporting fraudulent online activities.