ZICTA warns of rising mobile money fraud amid increased internet penetration (Video)

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has warned consumers to be vigilant in protecting their mobile money from fraudsters, following an increase in internet penetration.

ZICTA Manager of Corporate Communications, Hanford Chaaba, highlighted that the rise in internet usage had brought challenges such as the theft of funds from consumers’ mobile money accounts.

Speaking to the Zambia Monitor at the 96th Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka, Chaaba emphasized the importance of adhering to security measures, such as using strong passwords and not sharing PIN numbers.

“In as much as we talk about the benefits, there are some safeguards you have to take as consumers because even thieves have seen that there are benefits there.

“Thieves have now stopped moving from home to home with a panga to steal. They now know that they can get money from mobile money accounts in a smart way. Hence, we need strong passwords, and we must ensure that PINs are not shared and that all security measures are observed as we enjoy digital services both in the country and abroad,” Chaaba said.

He noted that over K452 billion worth of transactions were recorded as of December 2023.

“As the regulator, our goal is digital inclusion. Everyone should be digitally included to benefit from the advantages that come with digital services. With a mobile phone, you can pay for road tax, school fees, and almost anything. Over K452 billion in transactions were recorded as of 2023,” Chaaba said.

Regarding internet penetration, he said that one of ZICTA’s key activities is to facilitate internet diffusion in the country.

Chaaba expressed optimism that the entry of more service providers would further increase internet penetration.

“As of December 2023, we had about 21.1 million active SIM cards. Many mobile phones are connected to the internet, indicating that more people are accessing internet services,” he said.

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