Kenyans lost an estimated KSh490 million to SIM swap fraud in 2025, placing the country among those with the highest losses from the cybercrime in Africa, according to an Interpol report.
SIM swap fraud occurs when criminals fraudulently transfer a victim’s mobile phone number to another SIM card, allowing them to intercept one-time passwords and gain access to mobile money, bank accounts and other digital services.
The report highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals targeting mobile phone users and warns that the crime continues to pose a major threat to financial security across the continent.
Authorities are urging mobile phone users to strengthen account security, remain alert to unexpected network loss, and immediately report any suspicious SIM card activity to their mobile service providers and financial institutions.
To reduce the risk, Safaricom customers are advised to activate SIM swap protection by dialing *100*100#, which locks the line so that any future SIM replacement can only be completed after in-person identity verification at a Safaricom shop. Users should also avoid sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), PINs, or personal details over the phone and report suspicious activity to their mobile service provider immediately.
