Fraudsters are using new methods to trick you and gain access to your mobile money accounts. Understanding these risks — and how to avoid them — is key to protecting your MoMo wallet.
 
1. Phishing 

Phishing involves fake SMS, emails, WhatsApp messages, or social media posts designed to trick you into sharing your personal information. 

2. Vishing (Voice Phishing) 

Vishing is when fraudsters call pretending to represent MTN, MoMo, a bank, or a security team. 

3. SIM Swap Fraud 

SIM swap fraud happens when criminals try to take over your mobile number. They perform an unauthorised SIM swap so they can receive your OTP, sign in to your MoMo account, and reset your security details.

4. Social Engineering

Social engineering is when fraudsters manipulate you emotionally or psychologically to make you reveal information or perform actions you normally wouldn’t. 

5. Device Access Fraud 

This scam involves someone trying to access your phone or MoMo App. 

6. Fake Promotions & Investment Scams 

Fraudsters advertise unrealistic offers to trick you into sending money. 

1. Phishing 

Fraudsters send messages that: 

Look like they come from MTN or MoMo. 
Ask you to click a link to “verify” your account. 
Direct you to a fake MoMo website. 
Request your PIN, OTP, password, or ID number. 

2. Vishing (Voice Phishing) 

Scammers call to: 

Claim your account is blocked. 
Pretend they detected “fraudulent transactions”. 
Ask you to “confirm your identity” by giving your PIN or OTP. 
Urge you to approve a transaction.  

3. SIM Swap Fraud 

Warning signs to be on the lookout for include:

Sudden loss of network or signal. 
Inability to make calls. 
SMS messages not coming through.  

4. Social Engineering

Scammers use tactics such as: 

Pretending to be MTN or MoMo staff. 
Creating a false sense of urgency (“Your account will be closed in 30 minutes”). 
Pretending to be a friend or family member needing “emergency help”. 
Posing as a delivery service or online seller. 
Offering fake promotions, refunds, or investment opportunities. 

They rely on trust, pressure, confusion, and fear — not technology. 

5. Device Access Fraud 

Fraudsters may: 

Ask to “help” you with your phone. 
Request to install apps on your device. 
Try to observe your PIN over your shoulder. 
Attempt to take your phone and approve transactions quickly. 

6. Fake Promotions & Investment Scams 

Common tactics include:

Fake MoMo rewards, cashback or giveaways. 
“Guaranteed returns” or investment schemes. 
Messages saying you won a prize but must “pay a fee”. 
Fake refund messages asking for your details.  

1. Phishing
 
Never click on suspicious links. 
Do not share personal information through SMS, WhatsApp or email. 
Check the sender’s details — scammers often use strange numbers or email addresses. 

MoMo will never send links asking for your PIN or OTP. 

2. Vishing (Voice Phishing) 

Hang up immediately if anyone asks for your PIN or OTP.
MTN/MoMo will never ask for confidential details over the phone. 
Only use official customer care numbers.  

3. SIM Swap Fraud 

Contact MTN immediately if you lose network unexpectedly. 
Do not share your personal details with strangers. 
Set a SIM PIN if available.   

4. Social Engineering

Take a moment to think before responding. 
Never share your PIN or OTP under pressure. 
Verify all requests through official MTN/MoMo channels. 
If unsure, end the conversation. 

Social engineering is one of the most common and effective types of fraud — awareness is your best defence.  

5. Device Access Fraud 

Never hand your phone to strangers. 
Use biometric login for added protection. 
Cover your screen when entering your PIN. 
Install apps only from official app stores.  

6. Fake Promotions & Investment Scams
 
Remember MoMo never asks for payment to release prizes or promotions. 
Ignore offers that sound too good to be true. 
Do not send money to unknown individuals or pages.  

Use a strong, unique PIN. 
Enable fingerprint or facial recognition on the MoMo App. 
Never share your PIN or OTP with anyone.
Decline any approval request you didn’t initiate.
Avoid transacting over public Wi-Fi.
Keep your app updated.

Act quickly to protect your account. 

Stop all activity immediately. 
Change your MoMo PIN. 
Review your recent transactions. 
Block your virtual card if you suspect misuse. 
Contact MoMo Customer Support. 
Report a stolen or lost device to MTN.