Mobile money fraudsters knock on minister’s door

Minister Isaack Kamwelwe speaking in the past event. Photo File.

What you need to know:

  • Communication’s minister Isaack Kamwelwe receives a text message requiring him to send money to an unknown person.
  • Now hear this, Mr Isaack Kamwelwe, who is the minister in charge of the Communication docket, nearly became the victim to the swindlers’ craft.

Dar es Salaam. If you thought that only ordinary people get exposed to conmen via mobile money services, then you are wrong.

Now hear this, Mr Isaack Kamwelwe, who is the minister in charge of the Communication docket, nearly became the victim to the swindlers’ craft.

“Despite the warning issued by Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and the fact that over 10 people are being held for allegedly attempting to swindle money through mobile money services, I recently received a message, which wanted me to send money to the number,” said Mr Kamwelwe.

The minister said the message read, “Please send the money to this number because my phone isn’t functioning.”

He revealed this as he launched Huwawei’s Information Communication Services (ICT) company, Tanzania for talents cultivation and development programme yesterday.

Mr Kamwelwe advised people with ICT skills to put them to better use to help the country achieve its goal of an industrialised economy come 2025 instead of conning people.

“ICT is vital, it should not be used otherwise as this will derail our efforts,” said Mr Kamwelwe.

Thirteen people have so far been arraigned at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court over mobile money fraud.

The minister commended Huwawei and Chinese government for supporting Tanzanians, especially in ICT through training and finance. The minister said China has invested heavily in the National Information Communication and Technology Broad Band.

For her part, Chinese ambassador to Tanzania Wan Ke encouraged Chinese firms, which have invested in the country to comply with country’s laws, including paying taxes. “Huawei is a private company but we are supporting it because it operates in accordance with the laws of respective countries, where it operates,” said Ms Wan.

She also reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Tanzania in development projects. According to her China/Tanzania trade volume currently stands at $7 billion (Sh15.4 trillion) cumulatively.

Huwawei director general Gao Mengdong said the company, which operates in over 100 countries across the world has employed over 100 people in Tanzania.

Speaking during the ceremony one of the beneficiaries of another Huwawei, talents development programme, Seed for Future, Ms Noreen Kira, commended the fir for efforts to make sure that Tanzanians kept track with technological development, which is always changing