The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has issued a public alert regarding an increase in mobile phone scams targeting users through WhatsApp and mobile money fraud.
The warning follows numerous reports of individuals being tricked into sending money to fraudsters under false pretenses.
According to a statement from Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke, four individuals have been identified as key suspects in these fraudulent activities:
- Dr. Howell Kirui (+254735002953)
- Dominic Kosek (+254754033882)
- Ezra (+254787947086)
- Kibet Kinandet (+254105218443)
How the Scam Works
Victims report receiving messages from these fraudsters, who claim to be assisting with a WhatsApp registration process.
The scammers block the victim’s WhatsApp account and send a verification code, urging them to send money for re-registration.
Beyond WhatsApp takeovers, the fraudsters reportedly lure victims with promises of large sums of money being sent to their MTN mobile accounts via Safaricom.
Once they gain access to a victim’s WhatsApp, they exploit the contact list, sending fake messages to friends and family, falsely claiming that the victim has received millions of shillings.
Police Urge Public Vigilance
The police are urging citizens to remain cautious and avoid engaging with unknown individuals making financial requests over mobile platforms.
They also emphasize that official communication regarding mobile money and WhatsApp services should only be trusted when coming from legitimate service providers.
ACP Rusoke encourages all victims to report these incidents to law enforcement authorities to help curb the spread of such fraudulent schemes.
“We urge the public not to fall prey to these scammers. If you receive suspicious messages, do not respond or send money. Report the matter to the police immediately,” ACP Rusoke said.
Authorities continue to investigate these incidents, and efforts are underway to track down the individuals involved.
For now, mobile phone users are advised to enable two-factor authentication on WhatsApp, be wary of unsolicited financial offers, and only seek assistance through official customer service channels.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never share your WhatsApp verification codes with anyone.
- Enable two-step verification on your WhatsApp account for extra security.
- Verify financial requests by directly contacting the individual through official means.
- Report any suspicious activities to the police or service providers immediately.
Anyone with information regarding the identified individuals is encouraged to assist law enforcement by reporting to the nearest police station.
