The National Communications Authority (NatCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting telecommunications consumers and promoting a safer digital environment in Sierra Leone through its active participation in a nationwide campaign against mobile money fraud, WhatsApp scams, identity theft and other forms of cybercrime.

The initiative, launched on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the NatCA Auditorium in Freetown, represents another important step in the Authority's efforts to strengthen consumer awareness, encourage responsible use of telecommunications services and safeguard subscribers against emerging digital threats.

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) and the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, the National Awareness-Raising Programme on Mobile Money Fraud, WhatsApp Scams, Cyber Hygiene and Online Safety seeks to equip citizens with practical knowledge to protect their personal information and financial accounts.

The programme attracted representatives from 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 were also represented, demonstrating the importance of extending digital safety education to every section of society.

At the centre of the engagement was NatCA's renewed emphasis on consumer protection, particularly as mobile phones, mobile money platforms and internet-based communication services become increasingly important in the daily lives of Sierra Leoneans.

Speaking during the launch, the Director General of NatCA, Amara Brewah, delivered a strong message on the need for subscribers to take personal responsibility for protecting their digital identities and financial information.

He cautioned consumers against sharing passwords and other confidential account details with unauthorized individuals, warning that such practices could expose them to cybercriminals seeking to gain access to private information and financial resources.

Director General Amara Brewah also advised members of the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unfamiliar links through WhatsApp, text messages, emails and other digital platforms.

He explained that suspicious links could be used by hackers and online fraudsters to compromise personal information, making it necessary for consumers to verify messages before responding or clicking.

The NatCA Director General reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to effectively regulating mobile network operators and ensuring that consumer protection remains an important consideration in the delivery of telecommunications services across the country.

He further encouraged participants to become ambassadors for cybersecurity awareness by sharing the knowledge acquired during the programme with their families, colleagues and communities.

His message reinforced NatCA's position that telecommunications regulation must be complemented by continuous public education to help subscribers understand their rights, responsibilities and the potential dangers associated with digital services.

The Authority's involvement in the campaign is particularly significant at a time when mobile money transactions and online communication have become essential tools for business operations, family support, education and everyday financial activities.

By promoting greater awareness of cyber threats, NatCA is helping consumers recognize warning signs associated with fraudulent transactions, suspicious account verification requests, deceptive messages and attempts to obtain confidential information.

The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, commended the importance of sustained cybersecurity awareness while highlighting the growing risks associated with technological advancement.

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

According to the Minister, even technologically advanced nations, including the United States and countries in Europe, continue to face significant cybersecurity challenges.

She therefore called for stronger public vigilance and encouraged consumers to safeguard their personal information against individuals seeking to exploit digital platforms for criminal purposes.

The Coordinator of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, Madam Mariama Yormah, similarly emphasized the importance of public education in preventing online fraud.

She explained that cybercriminals frequently use convincing messages, emotional appeals and digital applications to manipulate unsuspecting consumers into revealing confidential information or participating in fraudulent transactions.

Madam Mariama Yormah warned members of the public against online advertisements and promotions that appear unusually attractive, encouraging them to verify such offers before making financial commitments.

The awareness campaign also promotes practical digital safety measures, including protecting passwords and mobile money PINs, enabling multi-factor authentication, examining suspicious links and keeping sensitive personal information private.

Those preventive measures complement NatCA's consumer protection responsibilities by encouraging subscribers to adopt safer habits when using telecommunications networks and digital financial services.

The programme further draws public attention to Sierra Leone's Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021, which criminalizes various forms of cyber misconduct, including computer-related fraud, identity theft,  unlawful disclosure of access credentials, cyberstalking and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

Members of the public who experience suspected cybercrime are encouraged to preserve relevant evidence, including screenshots, suspicious messages and transaction records, and report incidents to the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre through +232 30 952027 or reporting@nc3.gov.sl.

For NatCA, the campaign provides an opportunity to strengthen engagement with consumers while reinforcing the importance of responsible telecommunications practices and cooperation among regulators, service providers and the general public.

The Authority's participation also underscores the value of bringing cybersecurity education directly to communities, particularly individuals who depend heavily on mobile phones and digital payment systems but may have limited awareness of the methods used by online fraudsters.

With Amara Brewah at the helm, NatCA continues to place emphasis on effective telecommunications regulation, consumer awareness and collaboration with relevant institutions to address challenges affecting subscribers.

The nationwide initiative is expected to help build public confidence in digital services, promote safer online behaviour and encourage greater vigilance against mobile money fraud and other cyber-related offences.

Through its collaboration with MoCTI, NC3 and other stakeholders, NatCA is demonstrating that protecting telecommunications consumers goes beyond regulating service providers. It also requires empowering citizens with the knowledge to make informed decisions and protect themselves in an increasingly connected society.

The campaign reinforces NatCA's commitment to supporting a telecommunications environment in which consumer safety, public awareness and responsible digital participation remain central priorities as Sierra Leone advances its digital transformation agenda. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65318