In the quarter ending December 2024, the Tanzanian telecommunications sector witnessed significant developments in the battle against fraudulent incidents.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) reported a 19% decrease in fraudulent attempts, with SIM card cancellations dropping from 16,002 in the previous quarter to 12,896.
The reduction reflects the growing efforts by
telecom companies to combat fraud and protect consumers from malicious
activities.
Among the operators, Yas (formerly known as Tigo) emerged as a leader in fraud reduction, achieving a remarkable 75% decrease in fraudulent attempts.
The number of fraudulent activities plummeted from 6,581 in September to just 1,663 in December. This sharp decline is a direct result of Yas's comprehensive fraud prevention measures, including advanced security systems and better consumer awareness programs.
Yas's achievement provides a beacon of hope for consumers, ensuring that their
personal and financial data are less likely to be compromised when using its
services.
Vodacom also demonstrated positive progress, with a 9% decrease in fraudulent attempts, reducing from 2,902 in September to 2,175 in December.
Although this reduction is not as dramatic as Yas’s, it still marks an important step in securing its network and protecting consumers from fraud.
Vodacom has actively engaged in fraud prevention by encouraging customers to report online fraud incidents promptly and has successfully apprehended fraudsters involved in fraudulent activities.
This effort to reduce fraud
demonstrates Vodacom’s ongoing commitment to customer safety, providing
reassurance to its users that steps are being taken to ensure the integrity of
their services.
In contrast, some operators have seen an increase in fraudulent activities.
Halotel experienced a 6% rise in fraudulent attempts, with the number increasing from 4,886 in September to 5,187 in December.
TTCL saw a 12% rise, from 3,408 to 3,808 fraudulent attempts, while Airtel faced the most significant challenge, with a staggering 52% increase, escalating from 1,663 to 2,391 fraudulent attempts.
These increases signal a pressing need for these companies to reassess their fraud prevention measures and improve their security protocols.
The rising fraudulent attempts in these networks suggest that consumers
may be at higher risk of being targeted by fraudsters.
The TCRA’s report also revealed regional disparities in fraudulent activities across Tanzania.
Rukwa led with 5,305 deactivated SIM cards, followed by Morogoro with 4,278, and Mbeya with 930. Other regions, including Dar es Salaam, Katavi, Arusha, Songwe, Mwanza, and Tabora, also reported significant numbers of fraudulent SIM card deactivations.
The regional differences highlight the need for targeted efforts to address fraud, as certain areas appear to be more vulnerable to such activities.
TCRA points out that regions with higher numbers of deactivated SIM cards suggest
that fraud is more prevalent in these areas, calling for focused interventions
to curb the problem.
The TCRA continues to play a pivotal role in the fight against telecom fraud, taking proactive measures to identify and deactivate fraudulent SIM cards and combat counterfeit phones.
The authority has also focused on identifying and deactivating duplicate International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers associated with fraudulent activities.
For consumers, these developments are highly significant. The reduction in fraudulent activities by Yas and Vodacom indicates that these operators are providing a safer experience for their users.
When using services from these companies, consumers can feel more confident in the security of their personal and financial information.
On the other hand, the increase in fraudulent attempts by Halotel, TTCL, and Airtel highlights the need for consumers on these networks to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their information.
Users must report suspicious activities and adopt safe mobile
usage practices to reduce their vulnerability to fraud.
The TCRA’s recent report showcases both the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight against telecom fraud in Tanzania. While operators like Yas and Vodacom are leading the way in securing their networks, other companies such as Halotel, TTCL, and Airtel need to enhance their fraud prevention strategies.
The TCRA’s continued efforts to regulate the sector, combined with consumer vigilance, are vital to creating a safer telecommunications environment in Tanzania.