Online Reporter
Jacqueline Ntaka [email protected]
WHATSAPP has become one of the most important communication tools in Zimbabwe. From family conversations and church groups to business transactions and community updates, millions of Zimbabweans rely on the platform every day.
However, as its popularity has grown, so too has the sophistication of criminals who use it to defraud unsuspecting users.
In recent years, WhatsApp scams have evolved from crude attempts at deception into well-organised criminal operations. Many Zimbabweans have received messages from individuals pretending to be relatives, friends or company representatives requesting urgent financial assistance. In some cases, scammers hijack legitimate accounts and use trusted contacts to solicit money, airtime or mobile banking transfers. Because the request appears to come from a familiar person, victims often act before verifying the information.
One of the most common scams involves account takeover. Criminals trick users into sharing the six-digit verification code sent by WhatsApp when registering a device. The scammer may claim the code was sent by mistake or pose as a customer service representative seeking to verify an account. Once the code is shared, the fraudster gains control of the victim’s WhatsApp account and begins targeting people in their contact list. Within minutes, years of trust built between friends and family can be exploited for criminal gain.
Zimbabwe’s increasing reliance on mobile money and digital banking has made these scams particularly damaging.
Fraudsters understand that many people now conduct financial transactions through their mobile phones. As a result, they craft messages that create urgency and panic. Victims are told that a relative has been involved in an accident, that a business opportunity requires immediate payment, or that a bank account is at risk unless action is taken immediately. Such tactics are designed to prevent rational decision-making and encourage quick responses.
The rise of artificial intelligence presents a new challenge. Criminals can now generate convincing messages that mimic the language and communication style of genuine users. In some parts of the world, scammers have even begun using voice-cloning technology to impersonate relatives or colleagues. While such attacks are still emerging,
Zimbabweans should be aware that cybercrime is becoming more technologically advanced and harder to detect.
Protecting oneself from WhatsApp scams requires a combination of awareness and caution. Users should never share verification codes, passwords or PINs with anyone, regardless of how convincing the request appears. Two-step verification should be activated on all WhatsApp accounts as an additional layer of security. Before sending money or sensitive information, it is always advisable to make a direct phone call to verify the request. A few minutes spent confirming details can prevent significant financial loss.
Technology continues to offer remarkable opportunities for communication and economic growth, but it also creates opportunities for criminals. As Zimbabwe advances towards a more digital economy, cyber security awareness must become a national priority.
The fight against WhatsApp scams is not solely the responsibility of technology companies or law enforcement agencies. Every user has a role to play. In the digital age, vigilance is no longer optional; it is the first line of defence against an increasingly sophisticated criminal underworld.
l Jacqueline Ntaka is the CEO of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company that provides custom software development, mobile applications and data analytics solutions. She can be contacted on [email protected]
