Scammers Exploit Registered Online Lending Platforms to Dupe Ugandans
A new wave of money scammers in Uganda has adopted a cunning strategy, using registered online lending platforms as a cover to defraud unsuspecting individuals of significant sums of money. This latest tactic involves the scammers operating under the guise of legitimate lending platforms, ultimately disappearing after manipulating victims into paying substantial amounts.
The modus operandi begins innocently enough, with these fraudulent outfits lending small amounts, typically ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 Ugandan Shillings. Once the victim repays the initial and possibly second installment, the scammers strike with a message praising the client’s reputation and offering an upgraded borrowing limit.
“Dear Client, because of your good reputation, we have upgraded your record,” they begin.
Now, the victim is promised access to loans ranging from 1.5 million to 50 million Shillings. However, the scammers swiftly demand an application fee of 106,000 Shillings, assuring a two-minute payout. Subsequently, they claim the application needs a “boost,” requiring an additional payment of 156,000 Shillings.
After receiving these payments, the scammers vanish.
One such fraudulent online platform operating under the name “One Loan” falsely claims to have offices in various global capitals. In Uganda, they purport to operate from a non-existent building in Jinja City’s Iganga Road, led by an individual named John Sessanga.
When questioned about the non-existent Kampala office, Sessanga claimed it was located in Bunga, Tangore Building, with the London office temporarily closed due to “management issues.”
While posing as One Loan for small loans, these scammers switch identities to “Credit Loans Uganda” for larger loan scams. The Credit Loans WhatsApp chatline (0780368913) consistently posts false promises to pay, citing technical issues with their funding platform.
One victim reported paying three times before the scammers ceased responding to messages. When confronted, the scammers falsely claimed to have substantial funds in Uganda’s Exim Bank, an assertion yet to be verified.
The mobile money number provided (0752856173) is registered under the name Daniel Ngode, identified as a Nigerian IT specialist. The scammers are also purportedly registered with Airtel, holding a payment code.
Police spokesman Lucas Oweyosigire advised victims to report these cases for further investigation. As authorities delve into this intricate web of deception, it serves as a stark reminder to exercise caution and thorough verification when engaging with online lending platforms.
