More than six in ten consumers in Rwanda were targeted by digital fraud attempts in the past three months, as scammers increasingly exploit phone calls, emails, websites, and online marketplaces to steal money and personal information. ALSO READ: Digital fraud in Rwanda declines below global average The latest TransUnion Rwanda Consumer Pulse Survey found that 62 per cent of consumers experienced at least one fraud attempt, while 9 per cent said they fell victim, underscoring growing concerns over digital trust as financial services move increasingly online. ALSO READ: Four jailed over complex fraud scheme in Kigali Among consumers who were targeted, money or gift card scams were the most common, affecting 43 per cent of respondents. These were followed by vishing, or phone-based scams, at 30 per cent; fraud involving third-party sellers at 29 per cent; and phishing emails or websites at 27 per cent. ALSO READ: Rwandans most vulnerable to online fraud when creating accounts, report finds The findings suggest that digital fraud is no longer limited to online platforms but is spreading across various communication channels, increasing the number of points where consumers can be exposed to scams. The survey, conducted among 259 adults aged 18 years and above between February and March, shows that while awareness of digital risks is increasing, consumers continue to face evolving fraud tactics. It highlights the need for stronger protection measures, clearer guidance, and continued collaboration between users, financial institutions, and digital service providers. Despite growing exposure to fraud attempts, many consumers are strengthening their digital security practices. Among consumers who received a data breach notification, 55 per cent changed the password on the affected account, while 43 per cent checked their accounts for unauthorised activity. Another 38 per cent updated passwords on other accounts, while 26 per cent cancelled payment methods and 20 per cent placed a credit freeze as precautionary measures. Only 3 per cent of consumers took no action after being notified of a breach, indicating that once consumers are made aware of specific risks, many are willing to take steps to protect themselves. Beyond individual breach incidents, broader cybersecurity measures are also becoming more common. In the past 60 days, 64 per cent of consumers changed their passwords, while 38 per cent added stronger login protections, such as multi-factor authentication. Meanwhile, 30 per cent checked their credit reports as a precaution. However, some consumers remain uncertain about how to respond to cybersecurity threats. Sixteen per cent took no action during this period, with 70 per cent of them saying they were unsure what steps to take, while 23 per cent felt overwhelmed by cybersecurity information. The CEO of TransUnion Rwanda, Didier Mutabazi, said that although the growth of digital financial services has created new fraud risks, progress is being made in strengthening prevention measures. He said: “What is clear is that progress has been made in preventing fraud related to financial services driven by the use of technology. “The figures show a decline, which strongly highlights the efforts being made by the government to support financial service providers and promote access to financial services based on security.” Financial service providers are also taking steps to improve their systems and manage risks associated with technology-driven fraud, he explained. “It also shows that financial service providers are taking steps to further improve their systems for managing risks that may arise from fraud involving financial services,” he said. The continued expansion of mobile money services makes digital trust increasingly important, particularly as more consumers rely on digital platforms for financial transactions, he said. “The more mobile money continues to expand, this calls for a higher level of digital trust. The government has put in place policies and tools to support the industry, while financial institutions are strengthening their security systems to mitigate fraud. Access creates participation, but trust sustains participation.” The report suggests that protecting consumers will require more than awareness alone. Institutions will need to strengthen security systems while ensuring that users have simple and practical guidance to help them protect themselves from digital threats.
