فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The Digital Content Observatory has issued a new statement warning of a dangerous wave of digital and phone fraud targeting thousands of Moroccan citizens from all age groups and social classes. These frauds exploit the low level of digital awareness among some people, as well as the ambitions of others seeking quick profits through false promises and fraudulent online business schemes.
In this context, the head of the observatory, Professor Ahmed Namita El Bakkali, urged all citizens to exercise the highest levels of caution. He stressed that no one should share any code received through SMS messages or phone applications, especially those related to banking services, money transfers, or accessing online platforms. He emphasized that sharing verification codes is one of the most commonly used methods by fraudsters to access victims’ bank accounts or online profiles.
Key Fraud Tactics:
The observatory explained that fraudsters use a variety of methods, including:
- Calling citizens to claim they have won financial prizes or are beneficiaries of government or charitable assistance.
- Sending malicious links via messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger, tricking victims into believing they will receive instant profits or participate in lucrative business ventures.
- Impersonating financial institutions or public authorities to convince victims to disclose their banking information or transfer money.
- Deceiving victims with e-commerce offers, such as selling goods at attractive prices or promising quick returns on investments.
Important Prevention Tips:
In its awareness role, the Digital Content Observatory provided a series of practical tips to avoid falling victim to these criminal activities:
- Do not share any code or password received via text messages, even with close family members.
- Never transfer money to someone you don’t know personally, especially if they promise quick profits.
- Ignore any calls or messages promising winnings unless you have actually participated in a contest.
- Verify the identity of the caller or organization before sharing any personal or banking information.
- Use security apps and antivirus software on your phone to protect against malware.
- Report any attempted fraud immediately to the nearest security center or through official platforms.
- Raise digital awareness within your family, particularly among vulnerable groups such as illiterate women, the elderly, and teenagers.
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or responding to international or suspicious numbers.
- Follow official pages for the latest digital security warnings.
- Keep a record of all financial transactions and fraudulent messages as evidence when needed.
Collaboration with Telecom Companies:
The observatory also urged national telecom companies to take responsibility for tracking phone fraud related to mobile top-ups and to suspend suspicious accounts. It called on them to establish systems for reporting and rapidly recovering funds in cases of proven fraud.
The Digital Content Observatory concluded its statement by emphasizing that digital security has become a top priority in the daily lives of Moroccan citizens. Tackling this phenomenon requires collective cooperation between citizens, institutions, and security authorities to protect society from digital and financial risks.
source : fesnews media
