There has a been a spate of mobile money fraudulent activities being perpetrated by scammers lately in Ghana. And it doesn’t seem to be easing. Part of the onus to protect our money lies on us that’s why you have to be vigilant and proactive.
Although our mobile money account makes it easy to send, receive and store money, it also attracts scammers who may call, text or send links that look real. A few careful habits can protect you.
Keep your PIN and one-time codes private
Your MoMo PIN is for you alone. Do not tell it to a caller, agent, friend or anyone claiming to work for your network.
Do not share a one-time code sent to your phone, either. MTN and Telecel say they will not ask for your PIN through a text link or social media message.
Choose a PIN that is hard to guess. Avoid your birthday or a simple sequence.
Lock your phone with a passcode or fingerprint, and do not leave it unlocked with someone else.
Check before you send or approve money
Read the recipient’s name, number and amount on the confirmation screen before you enter your PIN. If anything looks wrong, cancel and start again.
Never approve a prompt you did not start.
A scammer may send a fake message saying money has entered your wallet, then call to ask you to “refund” it. Check your balance or transaction history in your official MoMo menu or app first. A text message alone is not proof that you received money.
Be careful with calls, messages and links
Someone may pretend to be customer care, say your wallet will be blocked, or offer a prize.
End the call if they ask for your PIN, a code, or an urgent transfer. Open your provider’s app or website yourself, or call its published support number.
Do not use a number or link supplied by the suspicious message.
Act quickly if your phone or SIM is lost
Contact your mobile network immediately and ask it to block the SIM and secure your MoMo wallet. Use a trusted phone or visit an official service centre.
Report (call 100) a lost or stolen SIM immediately so it can be disabled. Once you regain access, check your transaction history and change your PIN if it may have been exposed.
What if you think you have been scammed?
Stop talking to the suspected scammer.
Contact your provider immediately, explain what happened, and ask for a case or reference number.
Keep the transaction ID, amount, date, phone number and screenshots. Report quickly, but do not assume the money can always be recovered.
For MTN MoMo, MTN says you can dial *170#, choose My Wallet, then Report Fraud. Follow the menu names if option numbers have changed. MTN also lists [email protected].
For Telecel Cash, contact Telecel support on 100 from a Telecel line or 050 555 5111, or visit a Telecel shop. If your complaint remains unresolved after you contact your provider, see the Bank of Ghana’s complaints procedure.
The rule to remember: pause, check, then confirm. A real payment can wait a few seconds while you verify it.