Zambia: The Zambia Information Communication and Technology Authority-ZICTA has disclosed that it deactivated five thousand, four hundred and twenty-four sim cards on Airtel and MTN. The authorities believe that the sim cards were being used by scammers.
The deactivation campaign started in January 2024. The authorities believe that the deactivation of the sims will help decrease the frequency of scam calls that the users are receiving.
The people of Zambia are also happy about the steps that the Zambia Information Communication and Technology Authority-ZICTA. They have applauded the team for taking a concrete steps to find a solution for the issue.
The officials have been taking these steps for the benefit of the people for several years.
ZICTA South Regional Manager, Bwembya Chidiya, explains that in October 2022, working with other Mobile Network Operators, the Authority introduced a short code, *707#, used to report scammers.
Chidiya says the code was set up as a counter measure to the rampant increase in scam messages sent to subscribers. The officer also called on the people of the country to remain cautious with sensitive details such as Pin numbers, ATM passwords and others. T
He appealed to phone users not to disclose or say out loud their Mobile Money Pin, National Registration Card Number to ensure they safe guard their earnings.
Chidiya was speaking during a radio program when he made this appeal to the general public. During the programme, he emphasized that those who might feel their number was deactivated wrongly should call their network provider on 111 or visit the nearest service center.
Meanwhile one of the callers on the programme from Mazabuka’s Mwanachingwala Chiefdom, Hildah Hantete, hailed ZICTA for sensitizing the public on ways of avoiding scammers.
Othe citizens of Zambia took the initiative to share their applause through social media. One of the commentors said: Well done, we tired of Scammers every day. Another user shared, It’s Long over due , these bamambala had gats to tell you rubbish if you don’t fall play. ZICTA must be proactive.