As Rwanda continues to embrace digital payments and online financial services, new research shows that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting consumers through a wide range of digital fraud schemes.
According to the latest TransUnion Rwanda Consumer Pulse Survey, 62% of Rwandan consumers reported experiencing at least one attempted fraud incident during the past three months, while 9% said they became victims of fraud.
The findings highlight the growing importance of cybersecurity and digital trust as more people rely on online platforms, mobile money, and digital banking services.
Money Scams Lead Fraud Attempts
The survey found that fraudsters are using multiple channels to target consumers.
Among those who experienced fraud attempts, the most common scams included:
- Money or gift card scams (43%)
- Phone scams (vishing) (30%)
- Fraud involving third-party online sellers (29%)
- Phishing emails and fake websites (27%)
The report indicates that fraud is no longer confined to a single platform, with criminals exploiting phone calls, messaging services, emails, and online marketplaces to deceive victims.
Consumers Are Taking Stronger Security Measures
Despite the increase in fraud attempts, many Rwandans are becoming more proactive about protecting their digital accounts.
Among consumers who received notifications about potential data breaches:
- 55% changed passwords on affected accounts.
- 43% reviewed their accounts for suspicious activity.
- 38% updated passwords across multiple accounts.
- 26% cancelled payment methods linked to compromised accounts.
- 20% placed credit freezes or similar protective measures.
Only a small proportion of respondents reported taking no action after receiving breach notifications, suggesting that awareness of cybersecurity risks continues to improve.
Cybersecurity Awareness Continues to Grow
The survey also found that consumers are increasingly adopting stronger online security practices.
Over the previous two months:
- 64% changed account passwords.
- 38% enabled stronger authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication.
- 30% checked their credit reports as a precaution.
However, the findings also reveal that some consumers remain unsure how to respond to cyber threats.
Among those who did not take any security measures, many cited uncertainty about the correct steps to take or felt overwhelmed by cybersecurity information.
Building Trust in Rwanda’s Digital Economy
As Rwanda expands digital financial services and mobile money adoption, maintaining public trust is becoming increasingly important.
TransUnion Rwanda CEO Didier Mutabazi noted that while digital fraud remains a challenge, significant progress has been made in strengthening fraud prevention across the country’s financial sector.
He highlighted continued collaboration between government institutions and financial service providers to improve security systems, strengthen fraud detection, and promote safe digital financial services.
According to Mutabazi, expanding access to financial technology must be accompanied by stronger digital trust to ensure consumers feel confident using online platforms.
A Shared Responsibility
The report concludes that tackling digital fraud will require ongoing cooperation between consumers, financial institutions, technology providers, and regulators.
While investment in advanced cybersecurity systems remains essential, educating users on recognising scams and protecting personal information will play an equally important role.
As Rwanda continues its journey toward becoming a leading digital economy in Africa, strengthening cybersecurity and consumer confidence will remain key priorities for sustaining innovation and financial inclusion.
