NatCA Urges Safer Digital Practices

By Bakarr

The National Communications Authority (NatCA) has intensified efforts to protect telecommunications consumers from mobile money fraud, WhatsApp scams, identity theft and other cyber-related crimes, urging Sierra Leoneans to adopt safer digital practices as the country’s reliance on mobile phones, internet services and electronic financial transactions continues to grow.

The call was made on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign on mobile money fraud, WhatsApp scams, cyber hygiene and online safety at the NatCA Auditorium in Freetown.

The campaign, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) and the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, seeks to equip citizens with practical knowledge and skills to safeguard their personal information, financial accounts and digital identities against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The initiative brought together representatives of government institutions, mobile network operators, civil society organisations, religious bodies, schools and community groups. Commercial motorbike riders, kekeh operators, market women, teachers and school pupils also participated, underscoring the organisers’ determination to extend cybersecurity education beyond formal institutions and into communities across the country.

As mobile money and internet-based communication become increasingly central to commerce, education, family support and everyday financial transactions, the campaign highlights the growing need to ensure that citizens understand the risks associated with digital services and the steps required to protect themselves.

NatCA DG Warns Subscribers Against Sharing PINs

Speaking at the launch, NatCA Director General Amara Brewah urged telecommunications subscribers to take personal responsibility for protecting their digital identities and financial information, warning that careless handling of confidential account details could expose them to fraud, identity theft and financial losses.

Brewah cautioned consumers against disclosing their mobile money PINs, passwords and other sensitive account information to unauthorised individuals, stressing the importance of keeping such details confidential.

He also warned against clicking on suspicious links received through WhatsApp, text messages, emails and other digital platforms, noting that cybercriminals frequently use deceptive messages to obtain personal information, compromise accounts and defraud unsuspecting victims.

The NatCA chief encouraged subscribers to verify suspicious communications before clicking on links, responding to requests for personal information or transferring money. He urged consumers to exercise particular caution when dealing with unfamiliar contacts or messages claiming to offer financial rewards, promotions or urgent assistance.

Brewah reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to telecommunications regulation and consumer protection, emphasising the importance of ensuring that subscribers are better informed about their rights, responsibilities and the potential risks associated with digital services.

He further encouraged participants to serve as cybersecurity ambassadors within their communities by sharing the knowledge acquired during the campaign with their families, colleagues, friends and neighbours.

His message underscored the importance of combining effective regulation with sustained public education to minimise opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting users.

Government Calls for Greater Digital Vigilance

The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, called for greater public vigilance, noting that while technological advancement has created new opportunities for communication, business and service delivery, it has also introduced increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges.

She identified phishing, impersonation, ransomware, data breaches, cyber espionage and attacks on critical infrastructure among the threats confronting countries around the world.

The minister noted that even technologically advanced nations, including the United States and countries across Europe, continue to face significant cybersecurity challenges, demonstrating that no country or digital system is entirely immune to cybercrime.

She urged Sierra Leoneans to remain vigilant when using online platforms, protect their personal information and avoid falling victim to individuals who exploit digital services for criminal purposes.

The minister’s message reinforced the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, telecommunications operators, cybersecurity agencies and the general public to improve the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to cyber-related offences.

She also highlighted the importance of making cybersecurity awareness a shared responsibility, particularly as more citizens embrace digital financial services and other technology-driven platforms.

NC3 Coordinator Raises Alarm Over Online Scams

The Coordinator of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, Madam Mariama Yormah, stressed that public education remains a critical tool in preventing online fraud and protecting citizens from digital manipulation.

She explained that cybercriminals often rely on convincing messages, emotional appeals, impersonation and seemingly legitimate applications to trick unsuspecting users into disclosing confidential information or participating in fraudulent transactions.

Yormah cautioned the public against online advertisements, promotions and offers that appear unusually attractive, advising consumers to verify their authenticity before making financial commitments or sharing personal details.

She noted that recognising common fraud techniques and identifying warning signs early could help individuals avoid becoming victims of online scams.

The NC3 coordinator’s message placed particular emphasis on the need for consumers to question suspicious offers, independently verify the identity of people requesting money and avoid making hurried financial decisions under pressure.

Her intervention reinforced the importance of equipping citizens with the knowledge to identify potential threats before cybercriminals can exploit their trust.

Campaign Promotes Safer Digital Practices

The nationwide awareness campaign promotes practical measures that consumers can adopt to strengthen their digital security and reduce their exposure to online fraud.

These include using strong and unique passwords, keeping mobile money PINs confidential, enabling multi-factor authentication where available, scrutinising suspicious links and avoiding the disclosure of sensitive personal information to unknown individuals.

Consumers are also encouraged to verify requests for money or account information through trusted communication channels, particularly when messages appear to originate from relatives, friends, financial service providers or telecommunications operators.

The campaign places particular emphasis on mobile money users, small-business operators and community members who depend heavily on digital payment platforms but may have limited knowledge of the methods used by online fraudsters.

By engaging market women, commercial riders, teachers and school pupils, the organisers hope to make cybersecurity information accessible to people across different occupations, communities and age groups.

The broad-based approach recognises that cybercrime can affect anyone with access to a mobile phone or internet-connected device, regardless of educational background, occupation or level of digital experience.

It also seeks to encourage citizens to become more cautious when conducting financial transactions, responding to online messages or sharing personal information through digital platforms.

Public Encouraged to Report Suspected Cybercrime

The campaign also draws attention to Sierra Leone’s Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021, which provides a legal framework for addressing various forms of cyber-related misconduct.

Members of the public who suspect that they have been targeted by online fraud are encouraged to preserve relevant evidence, including screenshots, suspicious messages, telephone numbers and transaction records, and report incidents to the appropriate authorities.

According to the information provided by the campaign organisers, suspected cyber incidents can be reported to the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre through telephone number +232 30 952027 or by email at reporting@nc3.gov.sl.

Prompt reporting can help the relevant authorities document incidents, identify patterns of fraudulent activity and respond to emerging threats.

Consumers are also encouraged to contact their relevant mobile money providers or financial service institutions promptly if they suspect that their accounts have been compromised or that unauthorised transactions have occurred.

The organisers emphasised that cooperation among consumers, telecommunications operators, financial service providers and law-enforcement agencies is essential to improving the detection and prevention of cybercrime.

NatCA Strengthens Consumer Protection Drive

For NatCA, the nationwide campaign represents a further effort to strengthen engagement with telecommunications subscribers while promoting the responsible use of mobile networks, internet services and digital financial platforms.

The initiative comes as Sierra Leone advances its digital transformation agenda, with more citizens relying on connected services for communication, business transactions, education and financial activities.

While expanding digital access offers significant opportunities for economic participation and service delivery, the growing use of these platforms also makes consumer education and cybersecurity safeguards increasingly important.

The collaboration between NatCA, MoCTI, NC3, the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project and other stakeholders highlights the need for a coordinated national response to emerging digital threats.

The campaign seeks not only to raise awareness of mobile money fraud and WhatsApp scams but also to strengthen public confidence in digital services by helping users understand how to identify suspicious activity, protect their information and report suspected offences.

Ultimately, the organisers maintain that building a safer digital environment requires more than regulation and technological safeguards. It also depends on informed citizens who can recognise common scams, make responsible decisions online and take practical steps to protect their finances, identities and personal information.

As the country becomes increasingly connected, the success of the campaign will depend on sustained public education, effective stakeholder cooperation and the willingness of individuals to adopt safer digital habits in their daily lives.