Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Police have warned the public to be wary of fraudsters who are targeting mobile money users, tricking them into divulging sensitive information, including their mobile number’s Personal Identification Number and One Time Password (OTP), resulting in unauthorised access to their accounts.
Most of the victims have lost thousands of dollars to these fraudsters. In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed having received such reports and warned the public to be wary of these criminals.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police alerts the public regarding fraudulent activities targeting mobile money users, particularly EcoCash customers. Scammers are tricking individuals into divulging sensitive information, including their mobile number, (Personal Identification Number) and OTP (One Time Password, resulting in unauthorised access to their accounts and potential financial loss,” he said.
“The criminals lure their victims using fake online promotions purporting to offer very cheap products, such as cheap data packages or quick loans on easy and attractive repayment terms, to be paid using mobile money.
“Once the unsuspecting victim discloses their confidential personal security (PIN and OTP), the online criminals then gain access to the victim’s mobile money wallet, without the customer’s knowledge and start abusing their funds.”
Comm Nyathi urged the public to be vigilant and exercise caution when opening links from online sources offering deceptively cheap and attractive deals and bargains.
“To protect themselves, members of the public are urged to do the following: Never share your secret PIN or OTP with anyone. The mobile money service providers, such as EcoCash or OneMoney, will never ask their customers for this information,” he said.
“Do not click on links on the Internet (the web), on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp or any other digital platform advertising unverified promotional offers or dodgy loan schemes.
“Exercise caution when you come across websites or messages using fake logos of mobile money companies such as EcoCash,
“One Money or claiming to use the mobile money platform as a means of payment. Genuine mobile money platforms will never ask their customers to transfer money to another person’s wallet or bank account for safekeeping.”
Police are now working closely with mobile money companies, including EcoCash, and other law enforcement agencies, to protect customers and the general public from online fraud and to help bring perpetrators to book.
“We urge the public to only participate in marketing promotions from legitimate, verified, mobile money companies’ digital platforms. We encourage members of the public affected to seek help through official mobile money company customer support channels and service centres and to report such matters to the Police on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703 631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station,” Comm Nyathi said.
