Digital Devastation: Somalis Struggle with Exploitative Online Scams and Wagering Applications

Leyla Mohamed (Ugbaad), a phone user, tells the story of Ahmed Hussein Ali’s family in Elasha-Biyaha, who fell into poverty overnight due to losing savings to an online scam called Trade Bot. Ahmed invested his entire $400 savings into Trade Bot after falling for their promises of wealth. Unfortunately, the website went offline shortly after, leaving Ahmed with nothing. He regrets not being more cautious and wishes he could go back to running his roadside stall. The family now relies on relatives for food, as they used to depend on Ahmed’s daily profits from the stall.

Many Somalis, like Ahmed, have fallen victim to similar online schemes due to lack of awareness of the risks involved. Online platforms like 1XBet have attracted unsuspecting individuals with promises of high profits. Abdirahman Sheikh Kalif, another victim, lost all his money betting on football teams and is now struggling to make ends meet.

The internet has provided opportunities for many, but the majority of users are unaware of the dangers posed by online scams. Abdishakur Hussein, a digital currency trader, warns people to exercise caution before investing their money in such schemes. Trade Bot, in particular, has caused significant financial losses to many Somalis.

As internet usage grows in Somalia, it is crucial to educate users about online risks and regulate platforms effectively. Many individuals have lost substantial amounts of money to scams like Trade Bot, highlighting the need for greater awareness and protection for online consumers.