There is an increase in cases of cyber-crime by people who pretend to be from telecommunication networks. The use of internet presents scammers with additional opportunities to reach potential victims and obtain your personal information. The absurd part is that most victims suffer quietly without reporting.
We have heard and received reports of fraudsters calling individuals and telling them that their sim card lines are not registered and they offer to help you register from a computer, claiming the card is going to be blocked or suspended, update your details, or remaining ten minutes. Once you fall in their trap and accept to register, they will take you through a complicated/complex process and you will not realise when your money on your phone has been taken.
Following a public outcry of increased cases of cyber-crime by fraudsters, the Territorial Police of Nansana on 23/04/2022 carried out an intelligence-led operation in areas of Nansana West 2A Kibulooka against organised criminal gangs of fraudsters dealing in fake minerals, electronic fraud and offensive communication. The Police arrested nine suspects and recovered suspected stolen items like 24 suspected stolen phones, suspected fake minerals, a laptop suspected to be used in cyber-crime, copies of land sales agreement, Visa ATM card, marijuana and a list of people who are believed to be their victims.
It has been established that the scene of crime was being used as a conference for the gang to carry out hoax calls to unsuspecting victims. The suspects lure their victims into believing that such calls are from telecommunications companies like MTN, Airtel and different government institutions and departments before they ask for their financial details.
The phones recovered are submitted to the Directorate of Forensic Services for analysis and we believe we shall be able to identify most victims.
The gang estimated to be twenty (20) in number comprising of men and women all gathered in home/ bar of one identified as Mama Favour r/o Nansana west 2A, whom they believed to be in South Sudan, the nine arrested are detained at Nansana PS as others fled, those arrested include;
1. Mbabazi sam resident of Nansana west 2 A, on tel 0703285353.from Kabale
2. Mbabazi welberforce resident of Nansana west on tel 0753483731 from Rukiga.
3. Kwarija welber resident of Nansana west on tel 0788299979, from kabale student at Global institute makerere persuing acourse in graphics and animation.
4. Emoit George resident of Buloba from Tororo.
5. Tumusiime Godfrey alias kabila from kamwenge (commander ).
6. Muhumuza Talent resident of Nansana west 1, from Rukungiri.
7. Namyalo mercy alias Atuhumuza resident of Kibuye on tel 0774228424 from Busenyi
8. Bahame frank resident of Bujuko from Ntungamo on tel 0705658530.
9. Mugisha victor resident of Nabweru from Busenyi on tel 0759230828.
We highly caution the public to remain vigilant, to always be alert as no telecom operator can switch off your phone without going through the proper procedure/authorization, maybe when under investigation.
Since this fraud is Customer driven, the customer unknowingly sends money on her/his own to the conmen, we will work with UCC and continue creating awareness for customers. (draw attention to Tonfera, etc),
The *197# where you need to know the numbers registered under your NIN, it has been discovered that some agents are manipulating the customers and registering more than one number against your name. if identify an unknown number, deregister it.
If you are unfortunate, please call the 100 code and follow prompts or report to your nearest telecom company they will immediately investigate, or report to UCC, the nearest Police.
UCC acquired a prosecution license and is able to individually pursue electronic/ Telecom related cases in the utility court, more people are reporting cases directly to the Commission/regulator as they can easily follow up such cases and ensure they are solved. (need to invite UCC for sensitisation)
We encourage all telecommunication companies to continuously sensitize their clients on different communication mediums and in different languages about this kind of fraud.
Be smart with your data, verifying the source or knowing how to spot scams you can help protect yourself from losing your life savings.
SSP NABAKKA S CLAIRE
DEPUTY PRO
23/04/2022
