Discover how MTN MoMo fraudsters in Ghana trick unsuspecting users through fake calls, messages, and phishing scams.
MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) has become an indispensable part of daily life for millions in Ghana. Its convenience is undeniable, but so is the persistent threat of fraud.
Understanding how these fraudsters operate is the first crucial step in protecting yourself. While MTN Ghana emphasizes its system’s security, scammers have developed a sophisticated arsenal of tricks, primarily relying on psychological manipulation (social engineering) but also exploiting procedural weaknesses and, worryingly, sometimes demonstrating access to sensitive user data.
The Master Key: Social Engineering.
This is the most frequently cited method by MTN, regulators, and security experts. It’s not about hacking complex systems; it’s about hacking human trust.
The Impersonator: Fraudsters call pretending to be someone they’re not – MTN staff, bank officials, government agents, even friends or family. They might claim an issue with your account, a security alert, or that an update is needed. MTN’s own CEO reported being targeted this way. MTN states its official calling number for MoMo issues is 0244300000; calls from other numbers claiming to be MTN should be treated with extreme suspicion.
The Fake Windfall: You receive an SMS or call claiming you’ve won a promotion or lottery. To claim your “prize,” you’re asked for your PIN, an OTP, to pay a small “processing fee” via MoMo, or to click a suspicious link.
Remember: legitimate promotions rarely require payment or PIN sharing upfront. Always verify promotions through official MTN official channels.
The “Oops, Wrong Transfer!” Scam: This classic trick involves a fake SMS alert mimicking a MoMo deposit. Soon after, the fraudster calls, often sounding distressed (claiming the money was for a sick relative, for example), pleading with you to “reverse” the transaction by sending the money back to their number.
Victims, relying on the fake SMS and emotional pressure, often send money without checking their actual MoMo balance. Always check your actual balance via the official MoMo menu (*170#) or app before sending money back.
PIN & OTP Phishing: This is the endgame for many scams. Fraudsters manipulate you into revealing your Personal Identification Number (PIN) or a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your phone. They might guide you through a fake PIN change process or send a link via SMS, tricking you into sharing it back, which grants them access.
A particularly insidious tactic involves fraudsters calling with detailed knowledge about you – your SIM registration date (sometimes years back), recent transaction amounts, or other registered numbers.
Rule number one: NEVER share your PIN or OTP with anyone, period. This apparent insider knowledge makes the scam incredibly convincing. While MTN insists the final compromise happens when the user shares the PIN/OTP, the source of this background data is a significant concern, hinting at possible data leaks or other vulnerabilities.
The Fake Delivery: Scammers impersonate courier companies, claiming to have a package for you (often supposedly from a relative abroad) and demanding a MoMo payment for customs fees or delivery charges before they release the non-existent item.
Exploiting the Agent Network
The vast network of MoMo agents is essential for accessibility, but also presents fraud opportunities.
Agent Overcharging & Illegal Fees: Some agents charge more than the official MTN rates. A specific illegal tactic is “split transactions” for withdrawals over GH¢1,000. Instead of charging a single flat fee (e.g., GH¢10), they break it into multiple smaller withdrawals, charging the fee multiple times.
MTN confirms this is illegal and urges customers to report it. Know the official fees and refuse split requests.
PIN Theft at the Counter: Agents might try to watch you enter your PIN or even ask for it directly to “help” complete the transaction. This is especially risky for less experienced users or when agents are busy. “Vendor PIN Fraud” involves fraudsters posing as customers to observe busy agents entering PINS. Always shield your PIN entry and never share it with an agent. Don’t hand over your phone unnecessarily.
Shady Registrations (KYC Issues): Some agents might facilitate improper SIM registrations, potentially using fake IDs or registering SIMs using someone else’s Ghana Card details without consent. This helps fraudsters obtain untraceable SIMs. Never allow others to use your Ghana Card for registration.
Staying Safe
Understanding these tactics is your best defence. Be skeptical of unsolicited calls and messages.
- Verify information independently.
- Guard your PINs and OTPs like treasure.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to MTN (SMS 1515, email:
mmfraudteam.gh@mtn.com, call 100, use *170#) and the police.
The fraudsters are constantly evolving their methods, but awareness and vigilance remain your strongest shield.
