How to protect yourself from mobile phone scammers
A survey conducted in 2017 by Truecaller revealed that Kenyan mobile phone subscribers were among those who are highly targeted by fraudsters in Africa. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
The Communications Authority of Kenya has cautioned mobile phone users to be vigilant against potential fraudsters.
Here are a few tips given by the mobile phone regulator and Safaricom on how to protect yourself from scammers.
Never share personal information: Do not respond to calls or emails asking for personally identifiable information such as mobile money pin, national ID number, bank account PIN, and date of birth unless you're are sure of the person with whom you're corresponding with.
Don't give out your PIN numbers (M-Pesa, SIM): Your PIN is your secret. Never divulge any of your PINs to anyone.
Slow down: Scammers want you to act fast and think later. If the requests conveys a sense of urgency or uses high-pressure tactic, be skeptical.
Delete requests for financial information or passwords.
Be suspicious of unsolicited messages: If the requests look like they're from a company you use, do your own research.
Safeguard passwords, dates of birth and national ID numbers.
Be aware of the official customer care number (Safaricom's 0722 000 000, Airtel's 0733 100100): Report any search incidences to your service provider, police or the national cybercrime management office on, 0730172700 or [email protected]
