As cybercriminals increasingly target vulnerable members of society, Botswana’s senior citizens are leaning how to fight back. Botswana’s old timers are emerging as an important frontline in the country’s fight against digital fraud. In a bid to strengthen their defenses, Mascom Wireless recently conducted a cybersecurity workshop for elderly residents of Pitsane Village, equipping them with the knowledge needed to identify and avoid online scams.
The event was part of the Protect Our Elders Anti-Scam and Mobile Money Safety Initiative, which falls under the company’s Mascom 3-for-3 Initiative.
The initiative, run in partnership with the Botswana Police Service, aims to equip elders with practical skills to spot, avoid, and report online scams, mobile money fraud, and identity theft.
At the session, Mascom Project Coordinator Prudence Motsepe explained that the program is intended to provide senior citizens with the information they need to protect themselves from more sophisticated scams.
‘The Protect Our Elders Anti-Scam and Mobile Money Safety Initiative aims to protect senior citizens from online scams and mobile money fraud through awareness and education,’ she said.
This awareness campaign is timely, as cybercriminals continue to target people in Botswana with fake phone calls, prize scams, phishing links, and other tricks.
Constable Itumeleng Mothibi from the Botswana Police Service reported that over 200 cybercrime cases were reported between 2024 and 2025, resulting in losses of more than P10 million.
She warned that scammers often target elderly citizens because they think older people are less familiar with new technology.
‘The elderly often fall victim to such scams because they are not technologically advanced and are therefore more vulnerable to manipulation by criminals,’ she said.
Mothibi described some common tricks used by scammers. Some send fake links that, when clicked, allow criminals to access personal and financial information. Others impersonate service providers and ask people to share their PINs and passwords during fake verification calls.
Another common scam is fake prize notifications. Victims are told they have won money or prizes and are then tricked into giving personal details or sending money.
‘Scammers may call and claim you have won prize money. They then request your details or trick you into sending money. Never share your personal information with strangers and never disclose your PIN,’ she cautioned.
She urged elders to report any suspicious calls to the police right away and to ensure their SIM cards are registered only at official Mascom outlets or with authorized agents.
Constable Pono Bosa Teemane also spoke at the event, stressing that scammers continually change their methods and that staying alert is the best way to stay safe.
‘Your safety comes first. Avoid answering suspicious calls and avoid engaging with strangers who ask for personal information. Scammers are always developing new methods and strategies, and we must remain alert at all times,’ he said.
Teemane also warned elders not to share their passwords or PINs with anyone, even family members such as children or grandchildren.
‘Do not share your passwords or PIN numbers with anyone. Even people close to you can misuse that information. Protecting your personal information is your responsibility,’ he advised.
Kgosi Oagile Ernest Kepadisa welcomed the initiative and praised Mascom for bringing the campaign to the community. He also called for more partnerships to help reach more senior citizens across the country.
He suggested that groups like BotswanaPost, which handles monthly pension payments, should work together to teach pensioners about online fraud and scams.
‘The elderly need continuous education and awareness. We encourage Mascom to partner with other stakeholders so that more senior citizens can be protected from cybercrime and fraud,’ he said.
The Kgosi also encouraged residents to attend community education programmes whenever they are held.
‘People should participate in these forums because awareness helps prevent them from becoming victims of scams,’ he added.
The session also gave elders a chance to share their concerns about unregistered SIM cards and whether authorities can track down criminals after scams are reported.
In response, the Botswana Police Service assured participants that digital fraud cases can be investigated using established legal and technological methods, including court-approved orders for tracking.
Mascom also reassured the community that all new Mascom SIM cards must be registered through official channels with a valid ID before they can be activated.
Besides raising awareness, the initiative shows Mascom’s wider commitment to social responsibility through its 3-for-3 Initiative.
The program aims to make a real difference in communities by supporting projects that tackle social challenges and improve the lives of Batswana. By working with government, community leaders, and other partners, Mascom continues to promote education, digital inclusion, and community empowerment.
As Botswana’s digital economy grows, it is more important than ever for people to know how to use technology safely and confidently. Mascom’s Protect Our Elders Anti-Scam and Mobile Money Safety Initiative helps build a safer, more informed society and protects vulnerable groups from financial scams.
The main message in Pitsane was clear, scammers are getting smarter, but being aware is still the best way to fight cybercrime.
‘Never share your PIN, never trust unsolicited prize notifications, and never click suspicious links,’ was the consistent advice from both Mascom and the Botswana Police Service.
By bringing this important message straight to communities, Mascom is helping Botswana’s elders stay safe, informed, and confident in a digital world.