HOW TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF SAFARICOM SIMSWAP FRAUD
Safaricom users alerted on the rise of sim swap scammers Identified as "MULOT" swapping millions of money from target Mpesa accounts.
A SIM swap scam is a form of scam that aims to take over your telco subscription and other digital accounts linked to your SIM.
Criminals usually target individuals who use their mobile numbers to receive a one-time PIN (OTP) for confirming their bank transactions and online credit card purchases.
They will try to get the OTP from you through various means. Bolder ones may call or text and directly ask for the OTP. Others will pretend to be your service provider and go to your known address to offer a SIM replacement.
Prior to executing their modus operandi, the criminals will have already gained prior knowledge of your contact details through phishing. They will be likely to have your name, address, contact number, email address, and password.
The SIM swap scam will be the last activity to reach their goal which is to get the OTP for your simcard and credit card transactions.
It’s important therefore that you never reveal your OTPs to anyone. Remember that neither Globe nor any bank/legitimate institution will request those from you.
Safaricom users are advised to dial ussd code *100*100# and will be sent a verification message that they will only be able to replace their lines on Safaricom House only with their original id and not on mpesa agent shops.
