Buhlebenkosi Nkomo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a public warning over a rise in fraudulent activities targeting mobile money users, particularly EcoCash customers.
In a press statement dated 20 January 2026, Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi said scammers are increasingly using fake online promotions and deceptive loan offers to trick unsuspecting users into disclosing sensitive personal information, leading to financial losses.
“The criminals lure their victims using fake online promotions purporting to offer very cheap products, such as cheap data packages or quick loans on easy and attractive repayment terms, to be paid using mobile money,” said Comm Nyathi.
According to Comm Nyathi, once victims engage with these offers, they are manipulated into revealing confidential details such as their mobile number, Personal Identification Number (PIN), and One-Time Password (OTP).
“Scammers are tricking individuals into divulging sensitive information, including their mobile number, (Personal Identification Number) and OTP (One Time Password), resulting in unauthorized access to their accounts and potential financial loss,” he said.
Comm Nyathi stressed that members of the public should never disclose their security details. “NEVER share your secret PIN or OTP with anyone. The mobile money service providers, such as EcoCash or OneMoney, will NEVER ask their customers for this information.”
He also cautioned the public against clicking on suspicious links circulating on social media and other digital platforms. “Do not click on links on the Internet (the web), on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp or any other digital platform advertising unverified promotional offers or dodgy loan schemes,” said Comm Nyathi.
He further warned against websites and messages using fake logos of mobile money companies. “Exercise caution when you come across websites or messages using fake logos of mobile money companies such as EcoCash, One Money or claiming to use the mobile money platform as a means of payment,” said Comm Nyathi.
In response to the growing threat, the ZRP said it is working closely with mobile money operators and other law enforcement agencies. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is working closely with mobile money companies, including EcoCash, and other law enforcement agencies, to protect customers and the general public from online fraud and to help bring perpetrators to book,” said Comm Nyathi.
Affected members of the public were encouraged to seek assistance through official mobile money customer support channels and to report incidents to the police. Cases can be reported to the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703 631, via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or at the nearest police station.
