Public Warning: Fraudulent Use of the Name of the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) – Uganda

The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) of Uganda has been made aware that fraudsters are illegally using the name, logo and identity of the Authority to deceive members of the public.

Reports indicate that individuals wishing to make international or domestic financial transfers are being falsely instructed by persons claiming to represent the FIA to pay fees for non-existent services, including:

• “Verification of source of funds”

• “Transaction clearance”

• “Digital asset clearance services”

In these fraudulent schemes, victims are informed that their funds will be blocked or frozen if these fictitious fees are not paid.

These scams may include:

• Forged letters bearing the FIA logo and false official stamps

• Fake signatures of real or fictitious FIA officials

• Fraudulent email addresses, telephone numbers or spoofed caller IDs appearing to originate from the FIA

• Fake WhatsApp profiles using the FIA name and logo

• Links to legitimate-looking websites to create a false impression of authenticity

Fake Asset Recovery Services

The FIA has also received reports of individuals and groups fraudulently offering “FIA Asset Recovery Services”, claiming they can help victims recover lost or stolen funds in exchange for a fee.

The FIA wishes to make it clear that:

• The FIA does not provide direct asset recovery services to individuals

• The FIA does not conduct investigations for private persons

• The FIA does not seize, recover or confiscate funds on behalf of the public

Important Clarifications to the Public

The FIA wishes to clearly inform the public that:

• The FIA does not charge fees for any verification, clearance, or approval of financial transactions

• The FIA does not contact members of the public directly by phone, email, WhatsApp, social media or any other platform regarding individual financial transactions

• The FIA does not block accounts or instruct banks to freeze funds based on private payments

Official Status of the FIA

The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) is a statutory body of the Government of Uganda established under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. It operates solely from its official offices within Uganda and has no agents, representatives or sub-offices outside its official structure.

Public Advisory

If you are contacted by any person claiming to represent the FIA:

1. Immediately stop all communication with them

2. Do not send money or share personal or banking information

3. Report the matter immediately to:

   • The Uganda Police Force

   • Your bank or financial institution

   • The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA)

If you have already lost money, report the matter to your nearest Police Station without delay.

Fake Publications and Websites

The FIA has also become aware of fake websites and publications falsely claiming to be issued by the Authority. Members of the public are advised to verify information only through official Government of Uganda channels and recognised FIA communication platforms.

Scam Awareness

Be aware of fraudsters impersonating the FIA. Scammers may send e-mails or other mediums of communication to the public using FIA branding and logo seeking payment of fines, taxes, or other financial transfers. Be wary of these and similar types of messages and do not respond to them at all. Delete them and report them to your nearest police station. Remember, if the message sounds like a way to make easy money and too good to be true, it should not be trusted. The FIA will never demand a payment via e-mail. If you have received what you think is a scam message, e-mail it to fia@fia.go.ug

 Common Tactics Used by Scammers Include: