In today’s digital world, a single click can expose your personal information to cybercriminals, police have warned.
They have expressed concern about the increasing number of citizens posting images or details of their national identity card (Omang) or driver’s license on social media. What may seem like a harmless act of celebration is now actually opening the door to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes.
In an interview, Maun Police Station Commander Superintendent Joseph Lepodise has warned that Botswana’s national identity card (ID) is more than just a number or a photograph but it holds critical personal details, including full name, date of birth, and residential information. He said when shared publicly, this data provides cybercriminals with an easy pathway to commit fraud.
“Every detail posted online puts people at risk,” Lepodise cautioned. “Once an Omang is exposed, criminals can use it to open bank accounts, apply for loans, or register mobile money services in someone else’s name.”
Recent studies highlight a disturbing rise in digital fraud. A TransUnion report revealed that in the first half of 2024, 3.7% of digital account openings and 3.1% of login attempts in Botswana were flagged as potentially fraudulent. Meanwhile, Smile ID’s 2025 Digital Identity Fraud in Africa Report, based on over 110 million identity verification checks, confirms an increase in identity fraud across Africa, including Botswana.
Furthermore, INTERPOL’s 2024 Cyber Threats Report on Africa warns of a growing cybercrime crisis, with ransomware, business email compromise, and online scams being the most rapidly expanding threats. The report also notes that criminals are exploiting social media, artificial intelligence, and advanced social engineering techniques to carry out their schemes.
These findings stress the need for greater caution. A single leaked piece of information can trigger a chain of cybercrimes, from SIM card fraud and unauthorized mobile money transactions to large-scale financial scams.
In response to this rising threat, Superintendent Lepodise has urged Batswana to stop posting images or details of their Omang online. He stressed that protecting personal identity is crucial in preventing cybercrime and safeguarding financial security. “For now, the message is clear: Think twice before sharing your Omang online.”
