RURA Takes Action Against Fraudsters Scamming People via Phones

The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority (RURA) has introduced new regulations aimed at combating fraud and other crimes committed through technology.

In a statement released on August 20, 2024, RURA stated that “In order to prevent and fight against fraud and other crimes committed using technology, especially those carried out through phones, [we have issued new regulations].”

RURA mentioned that to deter and combat such fraud, services like SIM card registration or SIM swap will only be provided at designated telecom offices.

The authority further stated that any SIM card involved in fraudulent activities or other crimes will be deactivated, along with any other SIM cards registered under the same national ID.

Additionally, RURA warned that any employee of a telecom company or its representative (agent) found to be involved in fraudulent activities or other crimes committed via phones will face penalties.

RURA advised the public to avoid lending or giving out their registered SIM cards to prevent them from being used in fraudulent activities or other crimes.

In the statement, RURA also urged people to be cautious when receiving messages asking for money. They stated, “Exercise caution when you receive calls or messages asking for money, as well as other deceptive messages claiming to be from telecom companies or other entities.”

This announcement comes after a recent increase in reports of scammers asking people to send them money via text messages. These scammers pretend to be acquaintances and ask individuals to send money to specific numbers.

Article 307 of the Penal Code states that “any person who takes possession of property stored or transmitted via computers or similar devices, which was not intended for them, shall be punished with imprisonment ranging from two to five years and a fine of Rwandan Francs 500,000 to 3,000,000.”

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