By
The Respondent reporter
Tanzania
has launched a dedicated task force to tackle cybercrime, following a surge in
internet-related fraud that has plagued citizens for years. The government,
through the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology, has also
signed new agreements aimed at strengthening the enforcement of laws designed
to protect citizens in the digital space.
Speaking
to the press, Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, Mr. Jerry
Silaa, emphasized the significance of these newly amended agreements, which
will guide the task force in handling cybercrimes.
This
move comes as Tanzania continues to grapple with the rise in internet fraud,
from SIM card thefts to sophisticated phishing attacks, many of which have
resulted in the loss of money, assets, and even lives.
The
government has long recognized the threat of cybercrime, enacting the Cyber
Crimes Act in 2015, which addresses a range of offenses including data theft,
fraud, and the spread of false information.
However, despite these efforts, citizens have
continued to fall victim to various scams, including SIM card fraud, where
multiple lines are registered under a single person's name without their
consent. One citizen shared a troubling experience of having six lines
fraudulently registered under their Nida number by street agents.
To
combat this, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has urged
people to regularly check their SIM card registrations through the Nida system
using the simple *106# service. The minister also reminded citizens to verify
any suspicious lines and report them to the TCRA for removal. “Every Tanzanian
should check the numbers under their name and report any unauthorized
registrations,” said Hon. Slaa.
Fraudsters
have also resorted to using more advanced tricks like One-Time Passwords (OTPs)
to gain access to mobile banking apps, further complicating efforts to protect
consumers. These methods of phishing have become increasingly sophisticated,
with criminals using fake job offers and promotional links to steal sensitive
information.
Hon.
Slaa stressed the importance of safeguarding personal information, urging
citizens to never share their passwords, OTPs, or other sensitive details with
anyone. He also highlighted the need for vigilance, especially when receiving
unsolicited calls or messages from phone numbers claiming to be from mobile
service providers. To protect users, he advised that only messages from the
official number 100 should be trusted as they come directly from the service
providers.
The
Minister also encouraged Tanzanians to report any cybercrime incidents promptly
to the police. "There can be no progress in addressing cybercrimes unless
citizens report them," Hon. Slaa stated. "Your report is crucial for
authorities to take action and investigate."
As
cybercrime continues to evolve, Tanzania’s government is doubling down on its
efforts to protect its citizens and ensure that the digital landscape remains
safe. The call to action is clear: report fraud, stay informed, and protect
your personal information.
