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Kinyarwanda
Police in Musanze District, on Friday, held a meeting with about 200 telecom banking agents operating in the district, and urged to always be vigilant against some some individuals that would attempt to use defraud them or use their services in illegal and criminal activities.
The District Police Commander (DPC) Supt. Patric Butera told them that fraudsters attempt to use their services to either make transactions from accounts of other people or even give them counterfeit currency notes to deposit on their accounts.
Telecom banking agents are some of the groups targeted by criminals circulating counterfeit currency notes.
The DPC reminded them to guard their passwords and cross-check currency notes they are given thoroughly to avoid falling prey.
“The fact that mobile phones are now being used to make online and remote transactions makes them vulnerable, which requires high level of vigilance and to share information in real time whenever you suspect any foul-prey," he said.
Officials noted that smartphones and other portable computing gadgets have changed the online connectivity landscape, making them major influences in shopping, banking and payment of bills.
“Mobile phone banking services provide convenience to people, and there is demand increasing daily, we need to provide security for people to continue to enjoy these services,” said Supt Butera.
“Mobile gadgets have now become cyber crime’s latest target as criminals come up with new, and sometimes ingenious ways to swindle unwitting people,” Supt. Butera noted.
The central bank has been holding sensitisation campaign to raise awareness among the business community, professional groups and general public about the benefits of embracing electronic payment (e-payment) facilities
The drive is part of efforts to deepen use and access to e-payment systems like credit cards and e-wallets and hence fast-track the realisation of Rwanda’s goal of being a cashless economy by 2024.
