The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a nationwide alert concerning a dramatic increase in online fraud schemes designed to steal from mobile money users, particularly those using the EcoCash platform.
In an official press statement released on Monday, police spokesperson Commissioner Nyathi, the Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, detailed the criminal tactics. Scammers are creating fake advertisements on social media sites—including Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp—promoting unrealistically cheap data bundles, quick loans, and other “attractive deals.”
The Fraudulent Scheme
The criminals’ method, known as “phishing,” lures victims with these deceptive offers. Once an individual expresses interest, they are manipulated into surrendering confidential login details.”Scammers are tricking individuals into divulging sensitive information, including their mobile number, Personal Identification Number (PIN) and OTP (One Time Password), resulting in unauthorized access to their accounts and potential financial loss,” the police statement read.
Authorities stress that with this information, fraudsters can effortlessly drain a victim’s mobile money wallet without their knowledge.
Official Safety Guidelines
The ZRP, in collaboration with mobile money service providers, has outlined essential safety rules for the public: Never disclose your PIN or OTP: Legitimate companies like EcoCash and OneMoney will never ask customers for this information.
Avoid clicking suspicious links:Exercise extreme caution with online advertisements offering deals that seem too good to be true.
Ignore requests to transfer money for “safe keeping”: Genuine platforms do not ask customers to move funds to another person’s wallet or bank account.
Verify promotional offers:Only participate in marketing promotions from the official, verified digital platforms of the mobile money companies.
A Coordinated ResponseCommissioner Nyathi confirmed that the ZRP is working closely with mobile money companies and other law enforcement agencies to investigate these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Reporting Fraud
Members of the public who have been affected by such scams are encouraged to:
1. Seek immediate help through the official customer support channels of their mobile money provider.
2. Report the crime to the Police National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703 631.
3. Use the dedicated WhatsApp line: 0712 800 197.
4. File a report in person at any nearest Police Station.
This warning serves as a critical reminder for the millions of Zimbabweans who rely on mobile money services to remain alert and protect their financial information in the digital space.
