ZAMBIA INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO COMBAT ONLINE SCAMS

Sun 20 October 2024:

The Zambian government said on Tuesday that it is stepping up efforts to combat the increasing number of online scams in the country.

Jack Mwiimbu, minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, said the ministry is working with the Technology and Science Ministry to track, arrest and prosecute online scammers.

“We are collaborating with financial institutions, mobile network operators, and other stakeholders to implement stronger security measures and raise public awareness,” he said in a statement in the parliament.

Mwiimbu said that the country has seen an increase in online scams, with the police recording 1,124 cases between 2023 and the first half of 2024, adding that investigations into 560 cases have been concluded with convictions secured in 117 cases.

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Online Scams in Africa

Online scams have become a significant issue across Africa, driven by increasing internet access and digital growth. Common schemes include phishing, romance scams, fake investment opportunities, and lottery fraud. Scammers often target both locals and international victims, exploiting trust and lack of awareness.

Cybercriminals use social media, email, and messaging apps to trick people into sharing personal details, transferring money, or investing in fraudulent schemes. Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa are hotspots for such activities, partly due to high unemployment and tech-savvy youth.

Efforts to combat these scams include government crackdowns, cybersecurity initiatives, and digital literacy programs, but the rapid evolution of online fraud continues to pose a major challenge. Education and awareness remain key defenses against falling victim to these scams.

Types of Online Scams

Romance Scams: Fraudsters build fake relationships online, often convincing victims to send money for supposed emergencies.
Phishing: Cybercriminals use fake websites, emails, or texts to steal personal information like passwords and banking details.
Investment Scams: Fake cryptocurrency, forex, and get-rich-quick schemes lure people into investing money, only to disappear with it.
Lottery and Inheritance Fraud: Victims are tricked into believing they’ve won a prize or inherited wealth, but must pay “fees” to claim it.

These scams cost millions annually, targeting both Africans and international victims.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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