Harare, (New Ziana) – Police on Wednesday warned the public over a surge in fraudulent activities targeting mobile money users, particularly EcoCash customers, amid growing reports of financial losses linked to online scams.
In a statement, national police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi said criminals were using fake online promotions to lure unsuspecting victims into revealing sensitive personal information such as mobile numbers, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and One-Time Passwords (OTPs), adding that once this confidential information is disclosed, fraudsters gain unauthorized access to victims’ mobile money wallets and siphon funds without their knowledge.
“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 unauthorized access to their accounts and potential financial loss,” said Nyathi.
He said the scammers commonly advertise deceptively cheap products and services, including cut-price data bundles, electronic gadgets and instant loans with attractive and easy repayment terms, all supposedly payable via mobile money platforms.
These offers, said Nyathi are often circulated through social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and WhatsApp, as well as through suspicious websites and links.
“Police urges 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,” said Nyathi.
He further warned members of the public to be wary of websites, messages or advertisements using fake logos of mobile money companies or claiming to use legitimate platforms as a means of payment, adding that genuine mobile money providers will never instruct customers to transfer money to another person’s wallet or bank account for “safe keeping.”
As part of efforts to combat the growing threat of cybercrime, he said police were working closely with mobile money companies, including EcoCash, and other law enforcement agencies to protect customers and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
He further urged the public to only participate in marketing promotions advertised on verified and official digital platforms of mobile money companies and challenged victims of mobile money fraud to seek assistance through official customer support channels and service centres of their respective service providers.
New Ziana
