Travelers Warned of Fake Bus Tickets: Police Urge Caution.
Kampala, Uganda – Kampala Metropolitan Police have launched a crackdown on fraudulent activities targeting bus passengers, particularly those traveling upcountry.
According to Patrick Onyango, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, impostors posing as agents for various bus companies have been operating in taxi stages and outside bus terminals, selling counterfeit receipts to unsuspecting travelers.
Patrick Onyango added that in response to numerous complaints, police have arrested and charged five suspects with Obtaining Money by False Pretense.
“In collaboration with bus owners, we have implemented measures to prevent further fraudulent activities. These measures include the removal of outside offices and desks along roads and streets, and authorizing ticket sales only at official bus company offices.” Onyango said.
A targeted operation is underway to apprehend individuals involved in this practice. Onyango urged the public to exercise caution and only purchase tickets directly from authorized bus company offices, avoiding street vendors.
“We urge the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing bus tickets. To avoid falling victim to scams, please only buy tickets directly from authorized bus company offices and avoid street vendors. If you suspect any suspicious activity, report it to the authorities immediately.” Onyango added.
Uganda has experienced various types of fraudulent cases, including Financial Fraud, Cybercrime, Identity Theft, Land Fraud, Procurement Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Education Fraud, and Tax Fraud.
To combat these activities, the Ugandan government has established institutions like the Uganda Police Force’s Cybercrime Unit, Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U).
Various laws and regulations have also been enacted to prevent and prosecute fraudulent activities, including the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Computer Misuse Act, Electronic Transactions Act and Financial Institutions Act.
