Eswatini Cuts Scam Losses by E2 Million as Public Awareness Rises

Reported losses from so-called Facata scams in Eswatini fell by more than E2 million last year, according to figures from the Eswatini Bankers Association (EBA). The decline, from over E9 million to approximately E7 million, suggests that public awareness campaigns and coordinated action between banks, mobile operators, and law enforcement are beginning to curb the financial fraud that has long plagued the kingdom.

Background and Context

Facata scams, a form of telephone and SMS-based fraud, have targeted EmaSwati for years, with perpetrators often impersonating financial institutions to trick victims into divulging personal information or transferring money. The scale of the problem prompted a national response, involving the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), the National Communications Commission (NATCOM), and the country’s major banks. The collaborative effort has focused on public education and disrupting the scammers’ operational networks.

Key Figures and Entities

Swazi Mngometulu, a representative of the Eswatini Bankers Association, announced the reduction in losses during the End of Year National Crime and Road Accident Prevention Campaign on December 3, 2025. She credited the partnership between banks and mobile networks Swazi Mobile and MTN for helping to identify and block fraudulent numbers. Mngometulu also praised the REPS for its ongoing efforts to track down and prosecute offenders, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement.

Legal and Financial Mechanisms

To combat the scams, the EBA has advocated a straightforward defensive strategy for citizens. Mngometulu advised individuals receiving unsolicited calls about their finances to terminate the conversation immediately and direct the caller to their bank. Victims are then encouraged to report the incident to both their financial institution and the police. This protocol aims to create a rapid response system that can alert banks and telecom providers to emerging threats, allowing for quicker intervention.

International Implications and Policy Response

While the reduction in losses is a positive development, the persistence of Facata scams highlights broader challenges in regulating digital financial fraud in Southern Africa. Eswatini’s approach—combining public education with inter-agency cooperation—offers a potential model for neighboring countries facing similar threats. However, the cross-border nature of telecom networks means that sustained regional collaboration and stronger data-sharing agreements will be essential to fully dismantle the criminal networks behind these schemes.

Sources

This report draws on statements made by Swazi Mngometulu of the Eswatini Bankers Association during the December 3, 2025 End of Year National Crime and Road Accident Prevention Campaign, as well as publicly available information from the Royal Eswatini Police Service and the Eswatini Communications Commission.