Nexus: East Africa community based scam Reporting, Detecting and preventing mobile application

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Nexus empowers users in East Africa to report scams, educate on crypto risks, collaborates with law enforcement & CEXs for fund recovery, fostering safer crypto adoption in developing African nations.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The project will be released under the MIT License, ensuring transparency and granting developers the freedom to use, modify, and distribute the code without restrictions. The code will be hosted on GitHub, providing an open and collaborative platform for engagement with the community.

[METADATA] SDG rating

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: By enhancing security within the crypto industry, Nexus promotes innovation and infrastructure development in the digital space.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: By collaborating with law enforcement and exchanges to prevent scams and recover stolen funds, Nexus contributes to building strong and accountable institutions.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals: By fostering collaboration between stakeholders, including users, law enforcement, and exchanges, Nexus promotes partnerships and cooperation towards achieving shared security objectives.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

1.1 Problem Statement

The escalating frequency of online scams presents a clear danger to individuals engaging in peer-to-peer transactions and online interactions. Financial losses, identity theft, and trust erosion in digital spaces are among the multifaceted challenges we aim to combat in the developing nations of East Africa.

1.2 Objectives

• Develop a user-friendly, community-driven mobile app for real-time scam prevention.
• Foster collaboration through the sharing of user-generated content, experiences, and insights.

1.3 Scope

The app will focus on a multifaceted approach, including:

• Scam Database and Reporting: Providing users with a centralized platform to track, report, and learn about scams.
• Community Forum: Anonymously sharing scam experiences, enabling communal learning and awareness.

Key Features Overview

Scammers Database and Reporting

• Database Structure: Design a robust architecture for efficient tracking and reporting of scams.
• User-Friendly Interface: Develop an intuitive interface for easy reporting and data retrieval.
• Moderation System: Implement moderation to ensure the accuracy and relevance of reported scams.

Community Forum

• Anonymity and Privacy: Prioritize user privacy by allowing anonymous sharing of scam experiences.
• Categorization and Tagging: Implement a tagging system for organized knowledge sharing.
• Interactive Features: Integrate comments, likes, and shares to enhance community interaction.

Additional Features

Gamification Elements

• User Engagement Goals: Define engagement goals and rewards to encourage active participation.
• Achievement Badges: Create a diverse set of badges recognizing user contributions and engagement.
• Points and Rewards System: Implement a system tied to activities, allowing users to unlock rewards.
• Leaderboards: Showcase top contributors and active participants to foster healthy competition.

Integration with Financial Platforms

• Transaction Verification: Integrate with financial platforms to verify and authenticate transactions.
• Secure Payment Options: Collaborate with reputable gateways to provide secure transaction options.
• Educational Resources: Offer resources on secure financial practices and fraud prevention.

Localized Scam Reports

• Geo-Tagged Reporting: Enable users to attach location data to scam reports for localized threat awareness.
• Community Collaboration: Collaborate with local authorities and communities to address region-specific scams.
• Real-time Alerts: Implement an alert system for users in areas with heightened scam activity.

Other Measures Taken 

• End-to-End Encryption: Ensure user data privacy through robust encryption.
• Anonymous Reporting: Enable users to report scams anonymously, promoting a safe reporting environment.
• Compliance: Adhere to data protection regulations to safeguard user information.
• Events and Workshops: Organize events to educate the community on scams and prevention measures.
• Expert Contributions: Invite industry experts to contribute /insights, enhancing the app's educational content.
• Feedback Loops: Establish mechanisms for collecting user feedback and implementing improvements.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project aims to address the prevalent issue of scams within the crypto industry, particularly in developing nations of East Africa where fraudulent activities are rampant. By providing a platform for scam detection and prevention, our app empowers the wider Cardano community to distinguish between legitimate projects and scams. This not only safeguards users from falling victim to fraudulent schemes but also fosters trust and confidence in blockchain technology and Cardano as a whole. By enabling mass adoption through enhanced security and awareness, our project contributes to the growth and sustainability of the Cardano ecosystem, paving the way for broader acceptance and utilization of decentralized technologies in developing nations and beyond

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability is deeply rooted in the collective expertise and experiences of our team members. Many of our developers and engineers have a rich background in working on antivirus projects, where they have honed their skills in combating digital threats and ensuring the security of users' systems. Drawing from this wealth of knowledge, they possess a comprehensive understanding of security principles, vulnerabilities, and best practices that are essential for safeguarding users against scams and fraudulent activities.

Furthermore, our team's commitment to accountability is underscored by our personal experiences and the challenges we've encountered firsthand. As individuals who have experienced the distressing consequences of falling victim to scams, we intimately understand the detrimental impact it can have on one's financial stability and peace of mind. Living in environments where blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption may still be met with skepticism or regulatory uncertainty, we recognize the urgent need to establish a secure and trustworthy ecosystem for users.

Our long-term vision for this project extends beyond mere technological solutions. While we are dedicated to developing robust security measures and materials for our app, we also aspire to cultivate a culture of vigilance, education, and empowerment within the Cardano community. By sharing our insights, lessons learned, and practical advice, we aim to equip users with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the complex landscape of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency with confidence and resilience.

In essence, our commitment to preventing individuals from falling victim to scams is not just a professional obligation but a deeply personal mission. We are driven by the desire to spare others from the hardships and setbacks we've endured, and to pave the way for a future where all individuals can participate in the blockchain revolution with trust, security, and peace of mind.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Research and UI/UX Design (6 weeks)

Milestone Outputs:

• Completed UI design for the application.
• Document outlining all requirements and features needed for the application.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of UI design by the end of Week 6.
• Document outlining all requirements and features submitted by the end of Week 6.

Milestone 2: App Development (12 weeks)

Milestone Outputs:

• Delivery of a working minimum viable product (MVP) as outlined in the research paper.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Development of the application based on UI/UX design from Week 7 to Week 18.
• Delivery of the MVP by the end of Week 18.

Milestone 3: Beta Testing and Marketing (4 weeks)

Milestone Outputs:

• Commencement of beta testing in Ethiopia.
• Implementation of marketing initiatives to promote app usage among target users.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Beta testing initiated by the end of Week 22.
• Marketing initiatives implemented and ongoing from Week 22 to Week 26.

Milestone 4: Closing Video and Report (4 weeks)

Milestone Outputs:

• Production of a closing video summarizing project journey and achievements.
• Submission of final project report outlining key findings, insights, and recommendations.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Closing video produced and finalized by the end of Week 30.
• Final project report submitted by the end of Week 30.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

1.Ammanuel Mekonnen , UI/UX Designer and project lead 

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/amajo04/

Website : Aman.ethiospark.com

Email : Ehailebalmore@gmail.com

2.Joel Mekonnen , Senior Fullstack developer

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-mekonnen356778/

GitHub : https://github.com/JoelMekonnen

Email : joelmek@gmail.com

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Research and UI/UX Design (20,000 ADA)

Completed UI design for the application = 10,000 ADA

Leasing and Acquiring necessary infrastructures = 10,000 ADA

Milestone 2: App Development (40,000 ADA)

Development of the application based on UI/UX design from Week 7 to Week 18 = 10,000 ADA

Delivery of the MVP by the end of Week 18 = 20,000 ADA

          2 Developers (2 months): 18,000 ADA

          Testing and Quality Assurance (2,000 ADA)

Milestone 3: Beta Testing and Marketing (32,000 ADA)

Commencement of beta testing in Ethiopia = 10,000 ADA

Implementation of marketing initiatives to promote app usage among target users = 22,000 ADA

Milestone 4: Closing Video and Report (8,000 ADA)

Production of a closing video summarizing project journey and achievements = 8,000 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

In many jurisdictions, the prevalence of scams and fraudulent activities within the cryptocurrency industry has raised concerns among regulators and policymakers. By proactively addressing these issues through the scam prevention application, the Cardano ecosystem demonstrates its commitment to regulatory compliance and consumer protection, mitigating regulatory risks and fostering a favorable operating environment for continued growth and innovation.

Nexus will prioritize the well-being of the Cardano community by providing a centralized platform for reporting scams, sharing information, and educating users about potential risks. By empowering users to identify and avoid scams, the application fosters a safer and more resilient community, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and reputation of the Cardano ecosystem.