The Bank of Botswana published a public notice warning of a growing rise in internet-enabled financial fraud and urging the public to protect their online banking and payment credentials. The notice calls for heightened vigilance when using digital payment platforms and when receiving unsolicited calls or messages purporting to come from banks, merchants, or competition organisers. The Bank cited Botswana Police data showing 175 reported cases in 2024 with losses of about BWP 8.16 million, and 32 reported cases in the first half of 2025 with losses of about BWP 2.26 million. The fraud is described as particularly affecting older people, young people, retirees and higher-income earners, with common tactics including persuading victims to disclose banking “secrets” such as online banking details, and scams that claim the victim has won a prize or gift while requesting money to release it. The notice stresses that legitimate competition winners should not be asked to pay to receive prizes and encourages suspected incidents to be reported to the police.
Bank of Botswana 2025-08-29
Bank of Botswana warns the public about rising online financial fraud as police-reported losses reach BWP 8.16 million in 2024
The Bank of Botswana warned of rising internet-enabled financial fraud, urging the public to safeguard online banking credentials. Botswana Police reported 175 fraud cases in 2024 with losses of BWP 8.16 million, and 32 cases in the first half of 2025 with losses of BWP 2.26 million. The notice highlights scams targeting various demographics, emphasizing that legitimate prize winners should not pay to claim prizes and encourages reporting suspected fraud to the police.