LTA to move on GSM fraudsters

Telecommunications Authority prepares dragnet for mobile phone fraudsters here.

By Kruah Thompson 

Monrovia, Liberia, May 8, 2024 –In response to increasing fraud reports through registered GSM numbers, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) reveals plans to deploy a fraud dragnet to trap perpetrators across Liberia.

The decision follows a complaint by Commerce Minister Amen Modad, who reported unauthorized use of his name to solicit funds from individuals across the country.

During a press briefing held at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, LTA Commissioner Patrick Honda made the disclosure, noting that Lonestar Cell MTN has been authorized to block fraudulent numbers engaged in impersonation and fund solicitation.

“We are in the process of launching a fraud dragnet to trick people who are using registered GSM numbers to defraud others,” Commissioner Honda reveals.

Acknowledging the extent of the issue, he says numerous Liberians had fallen victim to such schemes, with their registered numbers being exploited for illicit purposes. 

Mr. Honda, a professional Liberian broadcast Journalist, urges citizens to promptly report such incidents to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority so that appropriate action can be taken to address them.

He assures the public that the program would be rolled out expeditiously to address the scourge of impersonation and fraud across the county.

He adds, “As soon as possible, the Agency will launch the program to reduce the issue of impersonation to defraud people.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner Honda underscores the importance of collaboration between the Telecommunications Authority and the public to combat cybercrime effectively. Editing by Jonathan Browne