فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The Digital Content Observatory has warned about the growing phenomenon of digital fraud in Morocco, where recharge services are being dangerously exploited as a means to launder money obtained from sophisticated online scams targeting citizens, particularly vulnerable groups who are not well-versed in basic digital security.
The observatory explained that these operations are not carried out directly; instead, they rely on a deceptive psychological plan. The victim receives a call from someone claiming to be an employee of an official or charitable institution, telling them they are a beneficiary of financial support. The victim is then asked to provide a “small secret code” that will be sent to them via text message to confirm their eligibility for the support.
In reality, this code is an authorization code for a recharge or money transfer operation carried out from the victim’s own balance or account. After providing the code, the victim is shocked to find that a significant amount of money has disappeared, despite not having performed any transaction themselves.
Telecommunication Companies in the Hot Seat
The Digital Content Observatory holds national telecommunication companies partially responsible, pointing out that recharge services are widely exploited by fraudsters without any real monitoring system for large or repeated transactions. This makes it easy to launder significant sums of money without raising any suspicions.
Call for Strict Technical Restrictions
The observatory emphasized that the practical solution starts with imposing real restrictions to secure recharge operations, particularly:
- When a transaction exceeds 200 dirhams.
- When multiple recharges are made in a short period from the same number.
- Temporarily suspending the transaction until the identity is confirmed or approval is granted through an official application.
- Activating real-time alerts and warnings before executing any unusual recharge operations.
Advice for Citizens to Prevent Fraud:
- Do not provide any code sent via SMS or WhatsApp to anyone, no matter what they claim.
- Do not trust any call claiming to be from an official body offering financial support in exchange for a “code.”
- In case of doubt, immediately stop the call and contact your bank or telecommunication company.
- Report any suspicious behavior or call to the relevant authorities or through official electronic platforms.
Official Closing from the Observatory’s President:
The President of the Digital Content Observatory, Mr. Ahmed Al-Nemita Al-Bakkali, concluded the statement saying:
“We cannot eliminate digital fraud without the combined efforts of telecommunication companies, security authorities, media institutions, and public awareness. The solution begins with imposing real restrictions on suspicious recharge operations, especially those exceeding 200 dirhams, and adopting alert and verification systems. Digital security today is no longer an option, but an urgent national necessity.”
Source: Fes News Media
