The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has raised concerns over a significant increase in online scams across the country in recent weeks, warning that the trend poses a threat to consumer safety and national digital security.
In response, the regulatory authority is calling for intensified efforts to educate the public on the importance of registering Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards and being vigilant against online threats.
According to a statement released by Cran’s Communication and Consumer Relations manager, Mufaro Nesongano, the recent surge in cyber fraud underscores the need for stronger digital awareness campaigns and public cooperation with existing regulations.
“SIM card registration is a critical measure in protecting consumers from cybercrime, enabling law enforcement to trace criminal activities involving mobile devices,” he said.
Nesongano stated that digital inclusion must go hand in hand with digital safety.
He emphasised that SIM card registration helps to establish a verified digital identity, which not only aids crime prevention but also improves access to mobile and online services.
He added that more than 158 countries around the world, including Namibia’s neighbouring states, have implemented similar registration policies as part of their national digital security strategies.
“For consumers, the benefits of SIM card registration go beyond enhanced security.
Registration enables users to gain secure access to services such as mobile banking and online shopping, while also protecting their digital identity and rights.
Furthermore, the process enables number portability, allowing individuals to retain their mobile numbers when changing service providers, thereby promoting competition and improved service delivery in the telecommunications sector,” he said.
Nesongano said Cran has played an active role in supporting compliance with the SIM card registration regulations. Through public awareness campaigns in major towns, engagement with industry stakeholders, and the establishment of a SIM Registration Committee, the authority has been working to address misinformation and make the registration process more accessible to all citizens. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to build a safer and more inclusive digital environment.
While Cran oversees the regulatory framework, the authority clarified that the power to track criminal activity lies exclusively with the Namibian Police.
According to Regulation 5 of the Regulations under Part 6 of Chapter V of the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009), the Namibian Police officers must obtain judicial authorisation before requesting subscriber information from telecommunications service providers, reads the statement.
This ensures that investigations are conducted within the bounds of the law, and that consumer privacy is maintained.
Nesongano assured the public that Cran remains committed to protecting the rights and security of consumers while working closely with law enforcement and service providers to address cyber threats. He urged mobile users who have not yet registered their SIM cards to do so promptly and exercise caution when engaging online.
“The regulatory framework ensures that consumer privacy is respected while enabling law enforcement agencies to act decisively against criminal activity,” said Nesongano.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus, in April, said that cyber incidents pose a serious threat to individuals’ privacy and financial security, as well as to national trust and social cohesion.
The minister stated that the rise of Artificial Intelligence in everyday communication has made it easier for criminals to produce convincing fake videos, images, and messages.
She acknowledged that Namibia currently lacks legislation specific to AI and relies on existing laws such as the Electronic Transactions Act and the Penal Code.
“In the meantime, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, is actively investigating recent incidents of scams perpetrated through telecommunications.”
“We are working closely with service providers in the telecommunications and banking sectors to trace malicious actors and to strengthen cybersecurity protocols across our digital infrastructure,” she said.
The minister stressed that the country is now drafting a Cybercrime Bill, a Data Protection Bill, and an Artificial Intelligence Bill, all of which are aligned with AU and Unesco standards.
Theofelus urged parents to monitor children’s online activities, warning that many underage users are exposed to online scams and abuse through devices provided by their guardians.
She also urged citizens to verify announcements and government news through official platforms managed by her office.
Nearly two-thirds of Namibians surveyed by TransUnion said they had been targeted by digital fraud in the last three months of 2024, with vishing, phishing, and online retail scams being the most common schemes.
According to the Namibia findings of the TransUnion H1 2025 Update to the State of Omnichannel Fraud Report, 63% of respondents reported attempted fraud via email, online platforms, phone calls, or text messages between November and December 2024.
Of these, 11% reported having fallen victim to such scams.
The most frequently reported fraud scheme was vishing, where criminals attempt to extract personal information over the phone, cited by 30% of those who had been targeted.
Phishing, typically involving fake emails, websites, social media posts, or QR codes, followed at 24%, while 22% of respondents pointed to scams involving fraudulent third-party sellers on legitimate online shopping platforms.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na