Airtime and data are essential for keeping in touch and accessing information. Sadly, Zimbabwe’s criminals are exploiting this need with a specific type of fraud targeting mobile money users.
What is mobile money airtime fraud?
This scam involves criminals advertising incredibly cheap airtime or data bundles, often through social media, messaging apps or even by word of mouth. They will ask you to pay using mobile money services before they provide the airtime or data. Once you have paid, the promised airtime or data never materialises and the scammer vanishes.
How this scam works:
Enticing offer: Scammers advertise heavily discounted airtime or data bundles (such as 10GB for US$2. The prices are significantly lower than legitimate offers to lure in victims.
Mobile money payment: They insist on payment before the airtime or data is sent to the purchaser, typically through mobile money services like EcoCash, Mukuru, Western Enion and many others.
No delivery: After receiving payment, the scammer blocks your number, deletes their social media profile and or simply becomes uncontactable. The promised airtime or data never arrives to you.
The images of such scams are often shown in social media advertisements for monthly data bundles.
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While not all such ads are fraudulent, extreme caution is advised. Unusually low prices, pressure to pay upfront via mobile money and a lack of verifiable business information are red flags.
How to protect yourself from fraud
Be suspicious of unbelievably low prices: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices with legitimate mobile network operators.
Never pay in advance to unknown sources: Only purchase airtime or data from trusted vendors or official channels of your mobile network operator.
Verify the seller's identity: If buying from an individual, ask for identification and check their claims. Look for online reviews or references, but be aware that these can be faked.
Avoid pressure tactics
Scammers often create a sense of urgency limited time offer to pressure you into making a quick decision.
Use official channels
Purchase airtime or data directly through your mobile network operator's app, website, or authorised retailers.
Report suspicious activity
If you encounter a suspicious advertisement or are targeted by a scammer, report it to your mobile network operator and the Zimbabwe republic police.
Be wary of social media and messaging apps: These platforms are often used to spread fraudulent offers.
What to do when scammed
Report to your mobile network immediately. They may be able to trace the transaction or block the scammer's number.
File a police report with all the details of the scam, including the scammer's phone number, mobile money transaction details, and any other relevant information.
Share your experience with friends and family to warn them about the scam.
Mobile money airtime or data fraud is a growing threat.
By being vigilant, sceptical of unbelievable offers and using trusted channels for purchasing airtime or data, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is! Don't get caught out!
Mutisi is the CEO of Hansole Investments (Pvt) Ltd. He is the current chairperson of Zimbabwe Information & Communication Technology, a division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. — +263772 278 161 or [email protected]
