By Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo, Executive Director Uganda Communications Commission.
Bafere are using similar ‘lines’ & tactics world over. Be on the alert for any of the following tricks:
1) Call & send SMS pretending to be from an organization you trust (e.g. @UCC_Official, your telecom provider or your bank) & ask for your personal details or PIN, OTP etc.
2) The old trick of telling you that you have won a prize or there’s money waiting for you but you should send money for delivery or give them your PIN/password etc. Did you enter any competition? Otherwise, check with the organization 1st, through standard contacts, if genuine.
3) They can copy real text messages such as notices from your operator and modify these with them on message while still looking legitimate. If you do not look at the telephone number, short code or identifier of the sender, you will be left believing the SMS is truly genuine
4) They will create urgency & tell you something bad is going to happen (like your SIM card will be blocked or your mobile money will be lost) if you don’t click a link or call a number to check your details or give them your personal details. Just hang up & call your provider
