Safaricom is the largest telecommunications firm in Kenya, which offers a wide variety of services that include, but are not limited to, mobile money, commonly referred to as M-Pesa, voice, and data. With increasing mobile service usage, fraud, harassment, and misuse of communication means have also gone up. In this regard, Safaricom has created a number of mechanisms for reporting suspicious or offensive activities associated with certain telephone numbers. In the following processes, learn how to report a number to Safaricom and some other important information.
1. Reasons for Reporting a Phone Number
Before delving into the steps for reporting a phone number, various reasons can prompt one to report a telephone number, including the following.
a) Fraud/Scams
Due to the digital era we are in, fraud and scams have become normal business. Many may have received SMS or calls from unknown numbers informing them of prize winnings, or other instances where personal information is required and some asking for money transfer.
b) Harassment
Users may be harassed with frequent unwanted calls or threatening messages, and for such cases, the harassing number needs to be reported.
c) Spam
Receiving unsolicited promotional texts or calls can be a pain. Safaricom does have a way of reporting and blocking such spam messages.
d) Mobile Money Fraud
Each and every case in which some person tries to cheat the users of M-Pesa by asking them to transfer any amount to some fictional purposes should also be reported.
2. Ways to Report Phone Number to Safaricom
Safaricom provides various means through which subscribers can report numbers involved in fraud or immoral activities. Here is how some of the most effective means of reporting are presented:
a) Reporting via SMS-333
The easiest and direct avenue to report a suspicious number to Safaricom is via SMS:
- You forward a message with the number you want to report, followed by details of the incident, for example, fraud or scam. Forward this message to 333, a number that Safaricom has dedicated to cases of fraud or harassment.
- You will receive an acknowledgement message from Safaricom, confirming your report.
This method is ideal for incidents such as fraud or scam calls.
b) Through Safaricom Customer Care
You can also report a number directly through Safaricom's customer care service:
- Dial 100 from your Safaricom line to reach the customer care team.
- Follow the voice prompts to reach a customer care representative.
- Explain the issue and provide the suspicious number for investigation.
This option is ideal for those who prefer a more detailed interaction with a support representative.
c) Reporting via the USSD Code (*100#)
Safaricom's USSD menu allows you to report numbers based on various complaints:
- Dial *100# on your Safaricom line.
- Choose the option that is giving out a number, perhaps varies with changes in the menu.
- The suspicious number to be given out here should be accompanied by relevant information.
d) Reporting Mobile Money Scam - SMS to 456
To report M-Pesa fraud, Safaricom has a special way it should be done:
- Send an SMS to 456. The details of the fraudulent M-Pesa transaction include the phone number of the scammer and a short description of the incident.
- Safaricom will then follow through with your report and advise further on the next course of action. This may include, but is not limited to, the reversal of the transaction where applicable.
3. Other Ways of Reporting Fraudulent Numbers
Safaricom has a number of partnerships with organizations and alternative ways of reporting specific cases:
a) National KE-CIRT Reporting
The Kenya Computer Incident Response Team (KE-CIRT) at Communications Authority of Kenya, in collaboration with the companies of the telecommunication providers, including Safaricom, works in responding to various incidents on cybercrime and misuse of communication channels.
- If the issue goes beyond fraud or harassment into cybercrime, then you can:
- Access the KE-CIRT website and fill out the online form for incident reporting.
- Give the required details, which include the number in question and the type of incident.
This process is most suitable in more serious scenarios with major fraud or organized crime.
b) Through DCI or the Police
In more serious cases such as harassment, threats, or extortion, you might be asked to report at DCI or your nearest police station. They usually work in collaboration with Safaricom, tracing and investigating the reported number.
4. How to Block a Number Using Safaricom
If reporting the number does not immediately stop the unwanted activity, you can further take steps to block the number. Here is how:
- On Android and iPhone: Locate the number in your phone's call log and select the option of blocking it.
- Through Safaricom Customer Care: Call 100 and let the representative assist you in blocking the number right from the network.
5. Protecting Yourself from Mobile Scams and Fraud
Safaricom continuously educates its customers on how to protect themselves from fraud. Some of these key tips include:
a) Be Wary of Unsolicited Messages or Calls
You may receive a message telling you that you have won a prize or asking you to give your personal details. Verify this through Safaricom or the concerned organization.
b) Keep Your M-Pesa PIN Secret
Never give out your M-Pesa PIN to anybody; they might lure you with the fact that they are Safaricom representatives. Safaricom does not need any PIN from you over the phone or via SMS.
c) M-Pesa Reversals
If one needs a reversal of an M-Pesa transaction, first consult it with Safaricom before taking any action.
6. Most Reported Mobile Scams in Kenya
Knowing what types of fraud exist will help you identify the threat when this presents itself. Here are a few of the more common scams in Kenya:
a) Lottery or Promotion Wins
Scammers often send messages claiming the recipient has won some type of Safaricom or other lottery and must pay a fee to claim the prize.
b) M-Pesa Reversal Fraud
This would include any individual requesting you to reverse an M-Pesa transaction, citing that it went to a wrong number. Such requests are always supposed to be verified for legitimacy.
c) Deceptive Jobs or Scholarship Opportunities
Others will seek to pose as an organization or study institution offering jobs or scholarships in return for an application fee.
By following these steps, you can protect yourself and report suspicious activities to Safaricom, ensuring a safer telecommunications environment in Kenya.