Uganda Financial Intelligence Authority Warns of Scammers Using Its Name and Logo

• The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) in Uganda has been targeted by scammers using its name, logo, and identity.
• Scammers are instructing people to pay fees for non-existent services, such as verification of source of funds or transaction clearance.
• Victims are told that their funds will be blocked or frozen if these fictitious fees are not paid.
• The FIA does not charge fees for any verification, clearance, or approval of financial transactions.

If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent the FIA, do not send money or share personal or banking information without verifying the authenticity of the request.

The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) in Uganda has been targeted by scammers who are using the authority's name, logo, and identity to deceive members of the public. These scams often involve individuals claiming to represent the FIA instructing people to pay fees for non-existent services, such as verification of source of funds or transaction clearance. The victims are told that their funds will be blocked or frozen if these fictitious fees are not paid. Reports indicate that scammers are using forged letters bearing the FIA logo and false official stamps, fake signatures of real or fictitious FIA officials, and fraudulent email addresses, telephone numbers, or spoofed caller IDs appearing to originate from the FIA.

The FIA is a statutory body established under the Anti-Money Laundering Act in Uganda. It operates solely from its official offices within Uganda and has no agents, representatives, or sub-offices outside its official structure. The authority's primary role is to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, but it does not provide direct asset recovery services to individuals, conduct investigations for private persons, or seize, recover, or confiscate funds on behalf of the public. In fact, the FIA has made it clear that it does not charge fees for any verification, clearance, or approval of financial transactions.

If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent the FIA, do not send money or share personal or banking information without verifying the authenticity of the request. The FIA will never demand a payment via email, and any message that sounds too good to be true should be treated with skepticism. Be aware of common tactics used by scammers, such as promises of instant wealth, scare tactics, and emotional messages. If you have received what you think is a scam message, report it immediately to the Uganda Police Force or your bank or financial institution.

Lawyers should advise clients to be cautious of unsolicited contact from individuals claiming to represent the FIA, and to never send money or share personal or banking information without verifying the authenticity of the request.

Source: Original reporting via Uganda Financial Intelligence Authority