By 
By Delisa Magagula
The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has issued a stark warning about the increasing wave of online scams that have defrauded unsuspecting citizens of approximately E399 million.
According to cybersecurity experts and law enforcement, criminals are exploiting weaknesses in digital security and the trust of internet users to orchestrate these frauds.
ESCCOM Cybercrime Specialist Nothando Hlophe revealed that fraudsters are targeting elderly citizens by stealing their identity documents to register multiple SIM cards.
These numbers are then used to execute scams, including fake investment schemes, lottery frauds, and impersonation of trusted individuals.
“Criminals prey on vulnerable members of society who may not have access to digital education. By the time victims or their families realize what has happened, the damage is already done,” she said.
Identity theft
In addition, she mentioned that these scams are particularly effective because they rely on stolen identities, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace the actual perpetrators.
Scammers use these fraudulently acquired numbers to register for banking services, take out loans, and even conduct business transactions, leaving the real owners of the IDs in financial ruin.
According to Hlophe many victims only discover the scam when they receive debt collection notices or realize their personal information has been misused.
Meanwhile, Interpol has reportedly reached out to local law enforcement, providing critical intelligence on specific phone numbers and IP addresses linked to these fraudulent activities.
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Hlophe said they are working closely with international agencies to track down the masterminds behind these cybercrimes.
However, despite these efforts, the sheer scale of the operations makes it difficult to apprehend all perpetrators.
Many scammers operate from foreign countries, using encrypted communication methods to evade detection. Some even sell stolen identities on the dark web, where they are purchased by criminal syndicates for various fraudulent activities.
Unsecured Websites
Hlophe warned that one of the most common tactics used by scammers is baiting users with free internet giveaways. Many unsuspecting victims click on links promising free data, not realizing they are downloading malware in the process.
“People need to be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers. Malware can steal login credentials, and banking information, and even take control of a device remotely,” she said.
Another pressing issue is the vulnerability of unsecured websites. ESCCOM has urged website owners to renew and install SSL certificates to ensure encryption and secure logins.
“If a website lacks proper encryption, every login attempt puts user data at risk. Cybercriminals can easily intercept passwords and sensitive information,” said Hlophe.
In addition to individual websites, scammers have been exploiting loopholes in online banking and e-commerce platforms. Fake banking portals designed to look like legitimate financial institutions trick users into entering their credentials, allowing scammers to drain accounts in minutes.
Scammers use these deceptive tactics in several ways:
Fake Social Media Giveaways: Fraudsters create fake social media pages that appear to belong to reputable companies. They ask users to enter their details to receive free internet bundles, unknowingly handing over sensitive data.
Suspicious App Downloads: Some scams involve fraudulent apps that promise free data or faster internet speeds but instead install spyware or keyloggers on the victim’s device.
Phishing Emails and Messages: Emails and SMS messages designed to look like they come from legitimate service providers lure victims into clicking malicious links.
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Experts warn that the methods used by online scammers are evolving rapidly. Some of the most prevalent fraud tactics include:
Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters pose as government officials, financial institutions, or trusted brands to convince victims to disclose sensitive information.
Romance Scams: Scammers create fake online personas to build trust with victims, eventually tricking them into sending money.
Criminals prey on vulnerable members of society who may not have access to digital education. By the time victims or their families realize what has happened, the damage is already done
ESCCOM Cybercrime Specialist Nothando Hlophe
Ponzi and Investment Schemes: Fraudulent investment platforms promise high returns with little risk, luring victims into depositing money that is never recovered.
Job Offer Scams: Criminals create fake job listings requiring applicants to pay fees for processing or background checks, only to disappear after receiving the money.
Ransomware Attacks: Some scams involve malware that locks users out of their devices until a ransom is paid. Worth mentioning is that ESCCOM and law enforcement agencies are calling on the public to stay vigilant.
“We urge citizens to verify online offers, avoid suspicious downloads, and regularly update their cybersecurity knowledge,” said Hlophe.
As authorities continue to crack down on these digital criminals, individuals are advised to practice safe online habits to prevent falling victim to these sophisticated scams.
Law enforcement agencies are also working on stricter regulations to curb identity theft and online fraud, ensuring that service providers implement more robust verification processes when issuing SIM cards and digital banking services.
