The Senegalese National Police have issued a warning about a widespread scam targeting users of mobile financial services. The scam involves malicious applications and deceptive links that allow fraudsters to steal the secret codes of victims and then empty their accounts remotely. This warning was made through a communiqué released by the police's Division of Communication and Public Relations.
According to the police, the scam operates in two stages. First, fraudsters distribute malicious applications or deceptive links. Once these are installed or opened on a victim's phone, they enable the secret codes to be stolen discreetly. With access to these codes, fraudsters can take control of the victims' Mobile Money accounts to make illicit and undetectable money transfers directly from their phones.
The police have identified that these malicious contents are primarily spread through instant messaging applications and social media. They often come in the form of enticing offers, such as the retransmission of matches, free movies, or promises of easy winnings. The police have urged the public to exercise extreme vigilance and have provided three key recommendations to avoid falling victim to these scams.
The recommendations made by the police include not downloading any applications of dubious origin, especially those received through instant messaging or social media; not clicking on any suspicious links; and not responding to such solicitations. By following these guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of being targeted by these scams.
The police have stated that they are currently conducting in-depth investigations to track, identify, and apprehend the perpetrators of these criminal acts. The authorities are working to bring those responsible to justice and to prevent further occurrences of these scams.
Victims or witnesses of cybercriminal offenses can report incidents on the platform https://signalementcyber.dgpn.sn/ or call the free hotline 17 or the green number 800 00 17 00. The police encourage anyone with information about these scams or who has been affected by them to come forward.
The police's efforts to combat these scams are ongoing, and they continue to advise the public to remain cautious when using mobile financial services. By staying informed and being aware of the risks, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these types of scams.
Key points
- The scam involves malicious applications and deceptive links that steal secret codes, allowing fraudsters to empty victims' Mobile Money accounts remotely.
- The police recommend not downloading dubious applications, not clicking on suspicious links, and not responding to unsolicited offers.
- Victims can report incidents on the platform https://signalementcyber.dgpn.sn/ or by calling the free hotline 17 or the green number 800 00 17 00.
