It is defined as the unauthorized use, tampering or manipulation of a mobile phone or device.

• The form of identity theft where scammers steal a person’s personal details to gain control of their mobile phone number.
• “Mobile phones contain a lot of personal information so once a scammer has control of your number, they can hijack a lot of personal services, like online banking …

Fraud is carried out verbally, by telephone, using fake documents, using broadcast media through adverts and many other ways.

Anyone can be a victim of these conmen, always be vigilant.

SIM swapping

Mobile phone numbers can legally be ported / changed from one provider to another when you switch your mobile phone service and can also be ported from one mobile phone to another when you upgrade or change devices. But with enough of your personal information, scammers can have your number ported to a device they possess. 

Another way to commit this scam is to physically steal the victim’s SIM card, a removable device in some mobile phones that carries a unique ID and stores the consumer’s personal data. The scammer can then use the stolen SIM card in their own mobile device.

In either case, the scammer can gain control over the victim’s private texts and calls, and may then try to reset credentials for the victim’s financial data and social media accounts.  If successful, the scammer can drain the victim’s bank accounts and sell or ransom their social media data.

• Don’t reply to calls, emails, or text messages that request personal information.
• Limit the personal information you share online.
• Set up a PIN or password on your cellular account.
• Consider using stronger authentication on accounts with sensitive personal or financial information.

• Vishing – a type of social engineering attack that happens over the phone.
• Smishing – the fraudulent practice of sending text messages purporting to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
• Technical Support Scam – a type of fraudin which a scammer claims to offer a legitimate technical support Victims contact scammers in a variety of ways, often through fake pop-ups resembling error messages or via fake “help lines” advertised on websites owned by the scammers.
• Money Transfer Scam – typically occur when someone asks you to help them transfer funds or deposit a check in exchange for money.
• Identity Theft– a crime in which an attacker uses fraud or deception to obtain personal or sensitive information from a victim and misuses it to act in the victim’s name. Usually, perpetrators of such crime are motivated by their own economic gain.

No

In line with its consumer protection mandate, the Commission organised for a Digital Consumer Awareness Campaign (Tonfera Campaign) that aimed to achieve practical awareness and redress information areas on key consumer issues including.

• Fraud and on-line safety,
• Misinformation and fake news,
• Digital transparency and accountability, and
• Consumer privacy and data protection etc.

After reporting to your service provider, you may call UCC tollfree on 0800 222 777 and make a formal complaint. We shall share this information with a select committee comprising of UCC, Telecoms and Security to investigate your report.

The Fraudster’s sim card is immediately blocked while the matter is being investigated. The Complainant is given feedback after the matter is resolved.

Always verify the authenticity of information shared using UCC tollfree line 0800 222 777 before taking any action.

They engage in massive customer education through text messages, recorded adverts, word of mouth at service centers and through regional information camps.

Immediately report to your Telecom service provider to block your simcard to prevent unauthorized use.

Make a police report on 0800199399, 0800199499, 112, 999.

Registered sim cards are easily tracked in case of loss or use in fraudulent activities.

It is a regulatory requirement.

• Establishing the Counterfeit project targeting the elimination of fake devices – for example, The Tonfera Campaign
• Mandatory sim card registration by all Telecom Companies.
• Consumer Awareness /sensitization drives on all social media platforms.
• Encouraging customers to report each time they lose a device (Toll free no. 0800 222777)
• Making enabling Regulations like CEIR to implement the deactivation of fake devices.
• Partnerships with other stakeholders like Government Agencies, Consumer Organizations, NGOs e.g. Anti-Corruption Network.

• Immediately report to your service provider on 100,
• make a police report on 0800199399, 0800199499, 112, 999.
• also make a follow up,
• Call UCC on Toll Free Line: 0800222777
• Connect on the Social media platforms:
• Twitter: @UCC_Official
• Twitter: @ConsumerUCC

• If you have not taken part in any lottery, you cannot be a winner, beware!!!
• Do not share your PIN or personal information with anybody.
• Do not accept to enter codes suggested by any caller, you could be granting access to your funds by a Fraudster.
• Ask questions when in doubt. If you become suspicious, hang up.
• Your NIN is an important identification tool that defines you, be wise and protect it always. Please do not give it out for any reason you are not sure of.
• Beware of online get rich quick schemes. If it is too good to be true, it is not true!
• Once your money has been withdrawn by the Fraudster you have granted access to your funds knowingly or unknowingly, it cannot be recovered, do not become a victim! However, if you have been conned report to your service provider. An investigation will be done, and the culprit brought to book.
• The efforts to curb Fraud using communication services involve all of us, be vigilant!