Abstract:
This study examines online theft incidents in Moshi District, focusing on the
prevalence of such crimes, the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, and the
challenges faced by prevention agencies. Addressing the urgent need for enhanced
cyber-security education, the research finds that 80% of participants have
experienced online theft, with 75% formally reporting incidents. With a population
of 535,803, the study surveyed 100 respondents using a convergent parallel design,
allowing for the simultaneous collection of quantitative and qualitative data.
Findings reveal that phishing, identity theft, Fake websites or online stories and
online financial fraud are the most common offences, causing significant emotional
and financial distress. Current mitigation strategies are viewed as inadequate, with
44% of respondents rating them neutrally and 27% as ineffective. Key challenges
include low public awareness, insufficient funding, and poor interagency
collaboration. The study concludes that a multifaceted approach is essential for
effectively combating online theft and strengthening the cyber-security framework in
Moshi District. It recommends enhanced cyber-security education and awareness
programs, increased resource allocation, and improved interagency cooperation to
effectively address these challenges.
