By Saidu Kargbo
Freetown, 23rd July 2026- The Sierra Leone Police has sounded the alarm over rising cases of mobile money fraud, calling on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to take stronger action against the growing menace.
Speaking at a police press briefing held at the Officers Mess in Kingtom, Freetown, Director of Operations John M. Senesie urged service providers to intensify public awareness campaigns and strengthen safeguards against scams that continue to target unsuspecting citizens.
“In spite of the information we give out there, a lot of people have become victims of mobile money fraud,” Senesie said. “We have made several efforts for caution, and we need to go steps further.”
He highlighted a common scheme in which fraudsters hack mobile phones and WhatsApp accounts, then use them to trick victims into sending money transfers through mobile money platforms.
“I am very sure that mobile service providers need to take interest in these kinds of developments,” Senesie stressed, noting that police efforts alone cannot stem the tide of fraud without stronger collaboration from MNOs.
The police appeal comes amid growing public concern over the safety of mobile money services, which have become a vital tool for financial transactions across Sierra Leone.
