The Senegalese National Police have issued a warning to users of mobile financial services about a widespread scam involving malicious applications and fraudulent links. According to the authorities, these methods allow fraudsters to steal victims' secret codes, gain control of their accounts, and make illicit money transfers. The police launched the alert on October 9, 2026, through a communiqué released by the Division of Communication and Public Relations of the National Police Directorate.
The scam involves the use of malware, or malicious software, to access users' Mobile Money accounts. The individuals behind the scam exploit malicious applications or deceptive links to discreetly recover users' secret codes. Once they have obtained this information, they can take control of the targeted Mobile Money accounts and proceed with fraudulent money transfers from the victims' phones.
The modus operandi described by the authorities involves the dissemination of content likely to attract internet users. Some links may be associated with promises of matches, movies, or easy winnings, with the aim of encouraging users to click. These solicitations can also circulate on social media and instant messaging applications. The National Police are calling on the population to be cautious when faced with content of unclear origin, especially when it invites them to download an application or access an unknown link.
In the face of this threat, the authorities recommend not downloading any applications from dubious sources. They also advise users to avoid suspicious links and not to respond to solicitations that may disguise an attempt at fraud. These precautionary measures aim to limit the risks of compromising personal data and access to mobile financial accounts. User vigilance is thus a crucial element in preventing this type of digital fraud.
The National Police have launched an investigation to identify the authors of the scam. In their communiqué, signed by Police Commissioner Mamadou Diouf, head of the Communication Division of the National Police Directorate, the institution invites citizens to report any infractions related to cybercrime. Reports can be made on the official platform https://signalementcyber.dgpn.sn/. Citizens can also contact the police services free of charge at 17 or 800 00 17 00 to transmit any useful information.
The police are urging users to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their personal data and financial information. The authorities are working to raise awareness among the population about the risks associated with mobile money scams and to prevent further incidents. Users are advised to be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages or links and to verify the authenticity of any application or link before downloading or accessing it.
The Senegalese National Police are committed to combating cybercrime and protecting citizens from digital threats. The authorities are working to identify and prosecute those responsible for the scam and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Users are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or attempts at fraud to the authorities immediately.
Key points
- The Senegalese National Police have warned users of mobile financial services about a widespread scam involving malicious applications and fraudulent links.
- The scam involves the use of malware to access users' Mobile Money accounts and steal their secret codes.
- Users are advised to be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages or links and to verify the authenticity of any application or link before downloading or accessing it.
