Cyber crime increases by 14% — Police report
Aug 02, 2013
The annual Police crime and traffic report indicates a 14.9% surge in economic crimes, rising from 9,574 cases in 2011 to 11,006, mainly registered in banks, public service providers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
By Steven Candia
The annual Police crime and traffic report indicates a 14.9% surge in economic crimes, rising from 9,574 cases in 2011 to 11,006, mainly registered in banks, public service providers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Cyber crime, which focuses on mobile money and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) fraud, was responsible for the loss of about sh1.5b.
According to the report sh207m was transferred without the authority of telecommunications service providers between August and November 2012.
The Police blame the spike in cyber crimes on the increase in the number of conmen commonly known as bafere, who exploit the lax laws.
However, acting deputy police spokesperson Patrick Onyango says a specialised unit has been created to combat cyber crime and urges the public to be cautious.
“In 2012, a total of 700 victims lost over sh1.2b by use of scheming devices from ATM locations in Kampala and other areas,” the report launched by both the Police chief, Gen. Kale Kayihura and criminal investigations and intelligence directorate boss Grace Akullo, notes.
Obtaining money by false pretence topped economic crimes with 8,250 cases, followed by issuing false cheques at 861 and counterfeiting with 728 cases reported. Kampala Central Police station registered the highest number of cases at 979, closely followed by Old Kampala at 607 and Katwe with 473.
The report also notes that 214 corruption cases were reported and investigated. Nineteen were taken to court while 195 are still under investigation.
How to avoid falling victim to cyber crime
o not share your ATM card pin with anyone
Scan the ATM machine facilities before use for any suspicious gadgets or devices
Banks should install CCTV cameras to catch fraudsters
Immediately report ATM card loss to the bank such that it is deactivated