Online fraud in Tanzania has significantly decreased, with fraudulent acts dropping by 28% between June and September 2024. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) attributes this success to intensified government actions and heightened public awareness campaigns.
According to TCRA Director General Dr. Jabiri Bakari, the number of fraudulent attempts fell from 22,267 in June to 16,069 by September. This positive trend is largely due to collaborative efforts between government bodies, mobile service providers, and vigilant citizens.
Public Awareness Campaigns: A Critical Component
The widespread campaign encouraged Tanzanians to report suspicious phone numbers through the toll-free SMS number 15040. Dr. Bakari highlighted the importance of this reporting system in mitigating fraudulent activities.
To further combat network fraud, the government held a high-level stakeholder consultative meeting, involving mobile phone licensees, cybersecurity experts, and law enforcement officials.
Government Commitment to Combating Fraud
The Minister for Information, Communications, and Information Technology (MICIT), Mr. Jerry Silaa, called for continued vigilance from mobile service users, urging them to report fraudulent numbers via 15040.
Fraudsters often employ tactics such as SIM card swapping, identity theft, and unauthorized access to mobile money and bank accounts. Mr. Silaa noted that such activities undermine financial inclusion efforts and the nation’s digital economy.
Regions like Rukwa, Morogoro, and Mbeya accounted for 77% of reported cases, prompting stricter SIM card registration measures in these areas.
TCRA’s Cybersecurity Campaign
The TCRA has launched a nationwide cybersecurity campaign running from October 2024 to March 2025. This campaign includes tips on detecting fraudulent activities, identifying fake news, and reporting misleading online content.
By fostering greater public awareness and strengthening security measures, Tanzania aims to curb fraud and create a safer digital environment.
