Sierra Leone's NaTCA Launches Nationwide Campaign to Combat Online Fraud

The National Communications Authority (NaTCA) in Sierra Leone has intensified a country‑wide consumer education campaign aimed at curbing online fraud. The Authority warns that cyber‑criminals are circulating fake internet links through SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook, email and other platforms to hack messaging apps, steal personal data and impersonate victims to solicit money from contacts. NaTCA Director General Amara Brewah said the scams are a global challenge, affecting even the most technologically advanced nations, and that consumer education is the most effective defence.

The campaign urges the public to rely only on verified official websites and authenticated social‑media channels, avoid clicking suspicious links, never share One‑Time Passwords, and refrain from downloading unknown attachments. NaTCA also recommends keeping mobile applications and device software up to date, using strong, unique passwords and enabling two‑factor authentication. The Authority has engaged telecommunications stakeholders to develop practical measures, emphasizing that the fraudulent messages do not originate from Sierra Leone’s mobile network operators.