Online Reporter
Online writer
ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe has dismissed as fake a widely circulated social media post claiming that the company will deduct funds from EcoCash wallets of customers who have used virtual private networks (VPNs) to access free data.
The post, which appeared to mimic an official Econet announcement, alleged that the telecommunications giant had detected unauthorised VPN activity and would impose automated deductions to recover data costs.
The viral image, purportedly from Econet’s official X (formerly Twitter) page, was marked “FAKE” by the company, indicating it was not an authentic statement.
Econet has not issued any official notice confirming such deductions. In recent years, telecom providers in Zimbabwe have been battling growing VPN usage, as customers use the technology to bypass data restrictions and access blocked content. However, the legitimacy of enforcing retroactive charges for VPN usage remains questionable under the country’s consumer protection laws.
The fake notice has sparked concern among Econet subscribers, particularly those who rely on VPNs to access restricted platforms. Some social media users speculated that the hoax was an attempt to spread panic, while others called for Econet to clarify its position on VPN use.
Econet Zimbabwe has urged customers to follow its verified communication channels for accurate updates and to disregard misleading information circulating online.
The fake notice follows a pattern of similar fraudulent announcements targeting major Zimbabwean corporations in recent months. Experts warn that misinformation campaigns on social media are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often using brand logos and official language to deceive the public.
Authorities have advised citizens to verify sources before sharing sensitive corporate communications, as spreading false information could lead to unnecessary panic or financial scams.
Econet is yet to issue a formal statement on whether legal action will be taken against those responsible for the fake post.
