Airtel Tanzania urges vigilance as online scam cases surge
Dar es Salaam. Airtel Tanzania has called on its customers to stay alert and report suspicious phone activity in the wake of a rising number of online fraud cases involving impersonators posing as company representatives.
The appeal follows recent concerns raised by the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa, who urged citizens to protect themselves from cybercriminals and advised telecom companies to intensify public education on fraud prevention.
Speaking at Airtel Tanzania’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam, the company’s Director of Communications and Regulatory Affairs, Beatrice Singano, warned that the only official customer service number is 100. She cautioned customers against trusting any other numbers claiming to be from the telco.
Speaking from Airtel Tanzania’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Director of Communications and Regulatory Affairs, Beatrice Singano, shared that the only official customer service number is 100, warning that any other number is likely to be from scammers attempting to steal personal information or money.
“We strongly urge our customers not to entertain calls from anyone claiming to be an Airtel agent if the call is coming from any number other than 100,” said Singano. “If you suspect a scam, please report the number by sending an SMS to 15040. This allows us to take appropriate action against the scammers.”
She emphasized that Airtel agents will never contact customers from personal or unofficial numbers and advised users to check their SIM card registrations regularly to avoid identity theft.
“Customers can dial *106# to verify their registration details, check all numbers registered under their ID, and delete unfamiliar numbers,” she explained.
In addition, Airtel Tanzania encouraged customers to visit any of its more than 40 customer service centers or 2,000 Airtel Money branches for support. Airtel Money kiosks are also available across the country to assist users facing fraud-related issues.
Singano also warned against scams involving fake spiritual healers and emergency money requests from unknown numbers.
“If you receive a message asking you to send money, always verify with the person directly,” she urged. “Do not act on messages or calls unless you have confirmed the request with a trusted contact.”
Airtel reaffirmed its commitment to customer safety and underscored the importance of cooperation between service providers, the government, and the public in tackling mobile fraud.
