Macra drafting law to curb cyber fraud

 Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) is set to draft a new law to protect consumers from cyber fraud.

This follows reports of increased mobile money fraud which mobile service providers blame on access to phones in prisons.

Speaking in Mzuzu during the commemoration of safer Internet day on Friday, Macra’s deputy director responsible for consumer affairs Kerius Mlenga said the new law will give powers to mobile service providers to track and block every gadget implicated in cybercrime.

He said cyber fraud is flourishing because service providers are only mandated to block SIM cards implicated in crime or any illegal activity.

“Every gadget implicated should be tracked and blocked. When the fraudsters put a new SIM card, it should be blacklisted,” said Mlenga.

He said Macra has found out that the fraudsters use

 many SIM cards on a single handset for illegal activities.

“When we block the handset, the fraudsters will be barred even when they swap SIM cards. Apart from that, we are also educating the consumers on mobile fraud,” said Mlenga.

While speaking on safety

 Group national coordinator Jonathan Mandere asked consumers to be cautious when giving sensitive information on the Internet.

“When people are told that they have won a competition, they should first find out from relevant institutions before attending to those who have sent the message to prevent from being scammed,” he said.

Macra engaged learners from primary and secondary schools and students from universities on safe practices when using the Internet, including cyber bullying and fraud.

According to Macra, the fraudsters use fake promotional SIM swap services and impersonation by calling random numbers, informing people they have property at the border that requires a fee for clearance.