The Uganda Police Force has issued a warning about a new wave of high-tech fraud targeting mobile money users. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, SIM Swap Fraud is on the rise, leaving hundreds of victims financially drained.
How the Scam Works
The fraud begins with a brief loss of network signal, followed by a suspicious call claiming to be from the victim’s mobile network provider. The caller instructs the victim to press “1” to restore network connectivity. Compliance compromises the phone and exposes the mobile money account to unauthorized transactions.
Precautions and Safety Measures
- Be cautious of unexpected network loss: Sudden, unexplained signal drops may indicate a scam.
- Beware of suspicious calls: Unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be network providers are likely scams.
- Avoid pressing “1”: Refrain from pressing keys as instructed by suspicious callers.
- Cut off suspicious calls: Immediately end calls that seem fraudulent.
Protecting Yourself
- Monitor account activity: Regularly check your account transactions.
- Use secure authentication: Enable two-factor authentication and use strong passwords.
- Report suspicious activity: Inform your network provider and the police about any suspicious calls or transactions.
The Uganda Police urge mobile money users to stay vigilant and share this information with others to prevent further victimization.