By Mo Hamad Kargbo

Orange Sierra Leone has officially launched its Scam Alert and Fraud Reporting Tool as part of efforts to combat mobile money fraud and strengthen consumer protection in the country.

The initiative was launched on Thursday, 13 August 2026, at the Orange Digital Centre in Hill Station, Freetown.

The new tool provides customers with dedicated channels to verify suspicious numbers, report fraudulent activities and alert Orange to potential scams. Customers can report suspected fraud by dialling *505# or calling 111. Reports can also be submitted through Orange Sierra Leone’s online reporting platform.

Speaking at the launch, Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Aicha Toure said the initiative was aimed at strengthening consumer protection, combating fraud and reinforcing trust in Sierra Leone’s growing digital ecosystem.

She noted that the increasing adoption of digital services had exposed customers to various forms of fraud, including fake promotions, fraudulent calls, phishing, social media scams and impersonation, often aimed at obtaining personal information or money.

According to Toure, mobile money and online fraud had become a national concern, particularly after the issue was raised in Parliament in July 2026 amid growing concerns over the number of citizens affected by scams.

Toure stressed that Orange would never ask customers to disclose their Orange Money PINs, passwords or other security credentials.

“Orange will never ask a customer to disclose their Orange Money PIN, password, or security credentials,” she emphasised.

She encouraged customers to remain vigilant, avoid sharing confidential information and verify suspicious requests before taking any action.

Toure said the Scam Alert tool would enable Orange to identify emerging fraud patterns, respond more quickly to reported incidents and collaborate with regulators and law enforcement agencies to disrupt fraudulent activities.

Also speaking, Orange Sierra Leone Customer Service Director David Mansaray described fraud as a widespread challenge, noting that many people had either experienced scams directly or knew someone who had been affected.

He explained that the initiative was intended not only to inform the public about Orange’s position on fraud but also to equip customers with practical tools to identify and report suspicious activities.

Mansaray urged customers to learn to recognise warning signs, including suspicious calls, text messages and requests, before taking action.

He added that the fight against fraud could not be won by Orange alone, stressing the need for cooperation among telecommunications companies, government institutions, law enforcement agencies, regulators and customers.

The Head of Compliance at Orange Sierra Leone, Reginald Cole, described fraud as a growing business that relies heavily on customers failing to report attempted scams.

He said many incidents remain unreported because victims may consider the amount involved too small, feel embarrassed or believe that reporting would not make a difference.

Cole warned that failing to report attempted fraud allows scammers to refine their methods and potentially target other customers.

He said Orange was strengthening its ability to investigate reported cases by analysing transaction patterns, phone numbers and device information, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) data.

According to Cole, timely reporting can help Orange take swift action and, in certain cases involving Orange Money transactions, potentially prevent or reverse fraudulent transactions.

During a practical demonstration, Orange staff showed participants how to use the different reporting channels.

Customers using the USSD service can dial *505# and follow the menu options to verify or report suspicious numbers and activities. Customers can also call 111, where complaints can be logged and investigated.

The company also demonstrated its online reporting platform, where customers can enter their Orange number and receive a one-time password (OTP) to verify their identity before submitting a report.

The Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) commended Orange Sierra Leone for introducing the reporting tool, describing it as an important step towards strengthening consumer protection and trust in digital financial services.

He said the increasing use of technology and digital platforms had also created opportunities for criminals to target unsuspecting members of the public.

The FIA Director General called for stronger collaboration among mobile network operators, financial institutions, regulators, law enforcement agencies and the public, noting that information sharing and public awareness were essential to addressing evolving financial crimes.

He further urged members of the public to carefully verify requests before sending money and to report suspicious communications through the appropriate channels.

Meanwhile, the National Consumer Protection Commission, represented by its Manager of Consumer Relations, Bernadette Fullah, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards safeguarding consumers against digital fraud and scams.

Fullah urged consumers never to disclose their PINs, passwords, OTPs or other confidential security credentials to anyone claiming to represent a telecommunications company or financial institution.

A representative of the National Cyber Security Coordinator also welcomed the initiative, noting that fraud reporting was critical to generating threat intelligence and helping cybersecurity authorities understand emerging threats.

He urged the public to make use of the reporting platform while calling on Orange to ensure that reports are thoroughly investigated before any action is taken against customers.

The launch concluded with a strong call for collective responsibility in the fight against mobile money and digital fraud.

Orange Sierra Leone urged customers to remain vigilant, never share their PINs or other security credentials, and always verify suspicious requests before taking action.

The company said the Scam Alert initiative forms part of its broader commitment to creating a safer digital environment and protecting customers as Sierra Leone continues to expand its use of mobile money and digital financial services.