UCC Warns Public on Conmen Profiteering from COVID19 Crisis

Uganda Communications Commission (the Commission) has warned what it described as “unscrupulous individuals” who are purporting to offer a variety of services to unsuspecting members of the public on behalf of the Commission.

“The services these suspected conmen claim to offer include SIM card registration and attending to mobile money-related matters, among others,” said UCC publicist Ibrahim Bbosa in a statement seen by ChimpReports on Saturday.

“Kindly take note that the Commission doesn’t offer those services,” he added.

The development comes just days after National Information and Technology Authority (NITA-U) issued Online Safety Advice for the public as effects of Coronavirus continue to bite.

The COVID-19 public health crisis has created a great deal of anxiety amongst the public and cyber-criminals are profiteering as a result.

NITA-U issued an advisory on common scams the public should look out for as they embrace social distancing and working from home during the nation-wide lock down.

These include fake news, phishing emails and suspicious links.

UCC said where it provides services directly to the public, “staff are instructed to clearly identify themselves and carry letters of introduction, IDs and or badges.”

Members of the public who are approached by suspicious persons purporting to work for UCC have since been advised to call the toll free number 0800 222 777 or visit UCC’s website www.ucc.co.ug which has detailed information on how our services can be accessed.