Venus Charumbira
Courts and Crimes Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a warning to the public about a rise in mobile money fraud, targeting users of platforms like EcoCash.
Scammers are tricking people into giving away their secret mobile money details, including their PIN and One-Time Password (OTP).
“This allows criminals to get into victims’ accounts without permission and steal their money”, said Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
According to the statement, the criminals use fake online promotions to lure their victims. These scams often advertise very cheap data packages or quick loans with easy repayment terms, which require payment via mobile money.
When an unsuspecting victim shows interest, they are asked to provide their confidential PIN and OTP. Once the scammers have this information, they gain access to the victim’s mobile money wallet and start taking their funds.
The ZRP has urged the public to be very careful when seeing links online that offer deals that seem too good to be true.
To stay safe, the police advise the public to:
- NEVER share your secret PIN or OTP with anyone. They stressed that genuine mobile money companies like EcoCash or OneMoney will NEVER ask customers for this information.
- Do not click on links on the Internet, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, or WhatsApp advertising unverified promotional offers or suspicious loan schemes.
- Be cautious of websites or messages that use fake logos of mobile money companies.
- Remember that real mobile money platforms will never tell customers to transfer money to another person’s wallet or bank account for safe keeping.
“The ZRP is working closely with mobile money companies and other law enforcement agencies to fight online fraud and arrest those responsible”, said Commissioner Nyathi.
The public is urged to only take part in promotions from the official, verified digital platforms of mobile money companies.
Anyone who has been affected by such scams should contact their mobile money company’s official customer support.
They should also report the crime to the Police on the National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703 631, WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or at their nearest Police Station.
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