By Alex Lawrence Koroma
Freetown, Thursday, 13 August 2026 —
In a move to bolster digital security and protect consumers from the rising tide of online scams, Orange Sierra Leone officially launched a groundbreaking Scam Alert and Fraud Reporting Tool, accessible via the short code *505#. The initiative marks a concerted effort by one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers to create a safer digital environment for its customers amid growing concerns over mobile-money and online fraud.
The launch event took place at the Orange Digital Center on Alpha Wurrie Drive, Hill Station, Freetown. It convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from government institutions, regulatory agencies, cybersecurity experts, civil society organizations, the media, and law enforcement. The gathering underscored the collective recognition of the urgent need to combat the escalating menace of digital fraud in Sierra Leone, especially as more citizens embrace online financial services and digital communication channels.
At the heart of this initiative is the *505# Scam Alert service, a simple, user-friendly platform that allows Orange customers to inquire about suspected scam alerts and report suspicious activities directly from their mobile phones. This service aims to empower consumers by providing an easily accessible channel to verify dubious messages, calls, promotions, and social media scams, thereby reducing their vulnerability to fraudsters.
Orange Sierra Leone’s CEO, Madam Aicha Toure, articulated the strategic importance of the platform during the launch. She emphasized that the initiative is designed to strengthen customer protection, combat fraud, and foster trust within Sierra Leone’s rapidly expanding digital economy. “The growth of digital services has opened new avenues of opportunity for our citizens, but it has also attracted malicious actors seeking to exploit this digital expansion,” Madam Toure noted. “Fake promotions, fraudulent calls, social media scams, phishing, and impersonation are now common threats. Our goal is to equip our customers with the tools and knowledge to stay safe.”
Madam Toure issued a clear warning to customers, reminding them that Orange Sierra Leone will never ask for their Orange Money PINs, passwords, or security codes, and that any request for such information should be treated as suspicious. She stressed that the *505# service is designed to be a straightforward way for users to check and report potential scams, thereby facilitating quicker responses to emerging threats.
The launch was not merely about introducing a new reporting tool; it also represented a strategic effort to create a collaborative framework for tackling digital fraud. Madam Toure explained that the data collected via the *505# Scam Alert service would enable Orange to identify patterns of emerging fraud, respond more swiftly to reported threats, and collaborate with regulators and law enforcement agencies to disrupt fraudulent activities.
“The impact of fraud extends beyond individual victims,” she said. “It can undermine families, hinder financial inclusion, and erode confidence in our digital economy. We must work together to build a resilient digital ecosystem that is safe, trustworthy, and inclusive.”
The initiative aligns with the concerns expressed earlier this year in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, where digital fraud was a topic of intense debate. Legislators highlighted the need for stronger consumer protection laws, increased public awareness campaigns, and tighter regulations on telecommunication operators and financial institutions. The launch of the *505# Scam Alert tool is viewed as a tangible step toward realizing these legislative ambitions.
The event garnered praise from various stakeholders, each emphasizing different facets of the initiative:
Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU):
A representative from the FIU lauded Orange Sierra Leone’s proactive approach. “The increase in digital transactions has created new opportunities for criminals to exploit unsuspecting users,” the FIU official remarked. “Impersonation, social media account hacking, and fraudulent fund transfers are on the rise. The *505# platform is a vital tool in our collective effort to identify and respond to these threats. However, it’s crucial that reports are properly investigated to prevent false accusations and wrongful account restrictions.”
National Consumer Protection Commission:
Bernadette. Fullah, the Manager of Consumer Relations, welcomed the initiative as a critical step for consumer protection. She cautioned consumers against sharing their PINs, passwords, or OTPs with anyone, emphasizing the importance of verifying requests through official channels. “Consumer education must go hand-in-hand with reporting tools,” she said. “We need sustained awareness campaigns to inform citizens about how scams operate and how to respond effectively.”
Civil Society Organizations:
William Sai Lamin, Executive Director of Accountability, stressed that combating digital fraud requires a “whole of society” approach. “Stakeholders such as telecom operators, government agencies, law enforcement, financial institutions, media, and citizens must collaborate continuously,” he said. “Public awareness and digital literacy are key. The launch should be seen as the beginning of a sustained effort, not a one-off event.”
Cybersecurity Experts:
A representative from the National Cybersecurity Coordinator highlighted the importance of threat intelligence. “Reports from users provide critical data to identify emerging threats,” he explained. “However, verifying these reports is essential to prevent misuse of the system, such as false claims intended to disrupt or harm individuals falsely accused.”
While technological solutions like the *505# Scam Alert service are vital, stakeholders agree that a comprehensive approach is necessary. The success of the initiative hinges on responsible use by consumers, diligent investigation by Orange and law enforcement, and ongoing public education.
Madam Toure and other speakers emphasized that customers should remain vigilant—never sharing their security credentials, verifying suspicious requests, and using the reporting tool responsibly. The platform is designed not only to alert authorities to scams, but also to serve as an educational resource, helping users recognize common scams and protect their personal information.
The launch of the *505# Scam Alert service is a milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward a more secure digital environment. It underscores the recognition that digital fraud is a complex challenge requiring coordinated efforts across sectors. As Orange Sierra Leone CEO, Madam Toure, succinctly put it, “Check, verify, report.” This simple mantra encapsulates the core message for consumers: stay alert, be cautious, and leverage available tools to stay safe.
Moving forward, stakeholders agreed that this initiative should be complemented by regular public awareness campaigns, community outreach, and continuous updates on emerging scam trends. Civil society organizations, in particular, are expected to play a pivotal role in extending these messages beyond Freetown into rural and underserved communities through radio programs, school engagements, and local outreach.
The launch of the *505# Scam Alert tool by Orange Sierra Leone signifies a proactive step to foster trust, security, and resilience in the country’s digital ecosystem. As the nation continues to digitize its economy and promote financial inclusion, safeguarding citizens from cyber threats becomes increasingly vital.
Orange’s commitment to consumer protection, combined with the collaborative efforts of government agencies, regulators, civil society, and the public, sets a promising precedent. The collective goal is clear: a safer, more trustworthy digital environment where innovation can thrive without fear of fraud or exploitation.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, vigilance, responsibility, and cooperation remain the cornerstones of success. As Madam Toure aptly concluded, “We encourage all our customers to check, verify, and report. Together, we can build a safer Sierra Leone.”
