MOMAG warns customers over SIM card fraud

The Mobile Money Advocacy Group Ghana (MOMAG) has revealed that over 90% of women who register their SIM cards fall prey  to the activities of fraudsters.

The group said some of these women are put in such situations by men who befriend them.

Speaking on Plan B FM late after show ‘Ebaanosen’ with Ohene Kinnah, National Secretary, Mr Kingsley J. Amoako-Atta asserted that some unscrupulous agents register SIM Cards for unsuspecting people and at their blind side. He said these agents would register two of the cards, with the excuse that, the first one was not successful due to network challenges.

“It has come to our notice that, some unscrupulous agents register SIM Cards for unsuspecting people and at their blind side. These agents will register two of the cards, with the excuse that, the first one was not successful due to network challenges. They secretly keep the other cards and later use it for fraudulent activities or sometimes sell it at exorbitant price to people without Ghana Cards,” he stated

He further explained that, his association has engaged the National Communications Authority (NCA) on the issue in 2023, but no action has been taken yet.

“We have engaged the National Communications Authority (NCA) on this issue in the year 2023, but no action has been taken yet. We humbly appeal to the NCA to take necessary action to protect citizens by curbing this menace. This, we believe, will prevent or reduce such fraudulent activities.”

“We have samples of phone numbers used by some of these fraudsters and are willing to provide them to the NCA if need be. To nib this issue in the bud, we strongly suggest that, the authorities take immediate action, by launching a public awareness campaign through electronic (radio and television) and print media to educate the public to shun the use of their Ghana cards to buy SIM cards for friends,” he advised

He also advised the public to get educated and also make insist to collect their damaged SIM cards from agents if they are told the card is damaged or gone bad during the registration process.

“The public should be educated to collect their damaged SIM cards from agents if they are told the card is damaged or gone bad during the registration process. What is more, we are sending a word of caution to these bad Agents, who are aiding the fraudsters by registering SIMs or selling “registered SIM Cards” (pre-registered) to them. We urge such Agents to stop such activities immediately. Should the association get hold of such bad agents, we would report them to the police to face the full rigors of the law.”