Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Ngabo Nankonde – Picture by Albert Mpezeni
The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has noted with great concern the increase in the number of unsolicited messages consumers and users of ICT products and services have been exposed to.
In a Statement, ZICTA Corporate Communications Manager, Ngabo Nankonde says the unsolicited messages are from third parties asking consumers to send money to a specific mobile number through mobile money services.
She says other messages are scams disguised as “possible winnings, “gift vouchers” and “free internet” usually containing a link which mimics official website platforms when clicked.
Ms Nankonde says investigations carried out by zicta in collaboration with law enforcement agencies have revealed that fraudsters have adopted social engineering methods as a way of collecting and accessing personal information of consumers thereby exposing them to cyber crime.
She says this conduct contravenes section 42 (6), 99,103 and 106 of the electronic communications and transaction act number 21 of 2009.
She adds that the authority has engaged service providers to ensure that they immediately suspend or terminate service to the perpetrators who have violated the acceptable policy as stipulated under 16.4 of the consumer protection guidelines.
Ms Nakonde has cautioned members of the general public not to forward or entertain such messages but rather ignore them completely.
She states that clicking links from unsolicited messages can expose consumers to malicious software that has intention of getting personal identifiable information.
Ms Nakonde adds that consumers are strongly advised to refrain from requesting videos or photos that have gone viral on social media through posting their mobile numbers as this makes them susceptible to cybercrime.