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Mobile money scams surge in Zimbabwe
2 hrs ago |
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged members of the public to remain vigilant against a surge in mobile money scams targeting unsuspecting individuals, particularly users of the EcoCash platform.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned that scammers are increasingly deceiving people into disclosing sensitive personal information, exposing them to financial losses.
"Scammers are tricking individuals into divulging sensitive information, including their mobile money Personal Identification Number (PIN) and One Time Passwords (OTP), resulting in unauthorised access to their accounts and potential financial loss," Nyathi said.
He cautioned that criminals are also exploiting fake online marketing promotions, which promise cheap and attractive products or services.
"The criminals lure their victims using fake online promotions purporting to offer very cheap products, such as discounted data packages or quick loans on easy and attractive repayment terms, to be paid using mobile money," he said.
"Once the unsuspecting victim discloses their confidential security details, the criminals gain access to the victim's mobile money wallet without their knowledge and begin abusing the funds."
Nyathi further warned that some scammers circulate links to fraudulent websites designed to harvest personal details, often masquerading as legitimate platforms using fake branding.
"The police urge the public to be vigilant and exercise caution when opening links from online sources offering deceptively cheap and attractive deals and bargains," he said.
He advised mobile money users not to click on unverified links shared on digital platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and WhatsApp, and to avoid websites or messages using fake logos of mobile money services like EcoCash or OneMoney.
"Members of the public should never disclose their PIN or OTP to anyone, regardless of how convincing the message or offer may appear," Nyathi said.
The police said they are working closely with mobile money service providers and other law enforcement agencies to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police is working tirelessly to protect customers and the general public from mobile money fraud, and urges anyone who suspects fraudulent activity to report the matter immediately," Nyathi said.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned that scammers are increasingly deceiving people into disclosing sensitive personal information, exposing them to financial losses.
"Scammers are tricking individuals into divulging sensitive information, including their mobile money Personal Identification Number (PIN) and One Time Passwords (OTP), resulting in unauthorised access to their accounts and potential financial loss," Nyathi said.
He cautioned that criminals are also exploiting fake online marketing promotions, which promise cheap and attractive products or services.
"The criminals lure their victims using fake online promotions purporting to offer very cheap products, such as discounted data packages or quick loans on easy and attractive repayment terms, to be paid using mobile money," he said.
"Once the unsuspecting victim discloses their confidential security details, the criminals gain access to the victim's mobile money wallet without their knowledge and begin abusing the funds."
Nyathi further warned that some scammers circulate links to fraudulent websites designed to harvest personal details, often masquerading as legitimate platforms using fake branding.
"The police urge the public to be vigilant and exercise caution when opening links from online sources offering deceptively cheap and attractive deals and bargains," he said.
He advised mobile money users not to click on unverified links shared on digital platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and WhatsApp, and to avoid websites or messages using fake logos of mobile money services like EcoCash or OneMoney.
"Members of the public should never disclose their PIN or OTP to anyone, regardless of how convincing the message or offer may appear," Nyathi said.
The police said they are working closely with mobile money service providers and other law enforcement agencies to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police is working tirelessly to protect customers and the general public from mobile money fraud, and urges anyone who suspects fraudulent activity to report the matter immediately," Nyathi said.
Source - newimbabwe
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