Mobile money has become part of everyday life in Ghana. People use services such as MTN MoMo, Telecel Cash and AT Money to send money to relatives, receive salaries, pay bills, buy goods, receive payments and run businesses.
The convenience is enormous, but criminals have also learned how to exploit mobile money users. In many cases, the criminal does not need to physically steal your phone or hack a complicated computer system. The fraud succeeds because the victim is persuaded to reveal information, approve a transaction, follow instructions or send money before checking what is really happening.
Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) identifies mobile money fraud as a common form of fraud and warns users never to disclose their mobile money PIN, even to someone claiming to be an employee of a telecommunications company or a mobile money agent.
The Bank of Ghana has issued similar advice. In its August 16, 2026 financial literacy education on secure banking practices, the Bank stated that financial institutions will not ask customers to provide sensitive information such as passwords and PINs through telephone calls, SMS or email.
The important lesson is simple: your strongest protection against mobile money fraud is not just technology. It is knowing when to stop, verify and refuse to cooperate with a suspicious request.
A Real Ghanaian Case: The “Mistaken Transfer” Trick
A recent court case shows how convincing this type of fraud can be.
On August 11, 2026, MyJoyOnline reported that the Assin Fosu District Court had convicted three men in connection with a fraudulent electronic money transaction involving GH¢38,450.
According to the prosecution’s account reported by MyJoyOnline, the incident happened on July 21, 2026. One of the men allegedly contacted a 26-year-old trader and claimed that he had accidentally transferred money to her.
Instead of ending the conversation and independently checking the situation, the victim was reportedly kept on the phone for an extended period. She was eventually directed to a mobile money merchant, where she was deceived into making electronic transfers totalling GH¢38,450 to three MTN numbers.
The court ordered the convicted men to refund the full amount.
This case is important because it demonstrates that mobile money fraud does not always begin with an obviously suspicious message saying, “You have won GH¢50,000.”
Sometimes it begins with something that sounds completely believable:
“Madam, please, I mistakenly sent money to your number.”
The conversation that follows is where the fraud happens.
What Should You Do in the Same Situation?
Suppose somebody calls and says:
“I mistakenly sent GH¢2,000 to your MoMo account. Please send it back.”
Do not immediately transfer GH¢2,000 to that person.
First, end the call or tell the person you will verify the transaction independently.
Then check your actual mobile money balance and transaction history using your network’s official service. Do not rely only on an SMS displayed on your phone.
If no money has actually entered your wallet, there is nothing to return.
If money genuinely appears to have entered your account unexpectedly, contact your mobile money provider through its official customer service channel and ask how the transaction should be handled.
Do not allow the caller to tell you:
- which USSD code to dial;
- which menu option to select;
- which number to transfer money to;
- what PIN to enter;
- what OTP or verification code to read aloud; or
- what link to open.
A genuine sender who has made an error can use the provider’s official reversal procedure.
Another Real Ghanaian Example: Giving Away the PIN and OTP
Another case reported in 2026 demonstrates why PINs and verification codes must remain private.
MobileMoney Ltd responded to a widely discussed alleged fraud incident involving the mother of a social-media content creator. According to the company’s investigation, the customer had spoken on the telephone with a fraudster and disclosed sensitive security information, including her MoMo App registration OTP, MoMo PIN and login OTP.
MobileMoney Ltd said those credentials enabled the fraudster to register the customer’s wallet on another device and carry out unauthorised transactions. The company stressed that it would never ask customers for their OTP, MoMo PIN or personal security codes.
This shows why even a person who never physically hands over a phone can lose control of an account.
A PIN protects your money.
An OTP can help prove that you are the person trying to perform a particular action.
If a criminal obtains both, the criminal may have exactly the information needed to impersonate you.
Common Mobile Money Fraud Methods in Ghana
1. The “Wrong Transfer” or Reversal Scam
The scammer tells you that money has accidentally been sent to your number.
Sometimes a fake SMS is sent first to make the story convincing.
The scammer then pressures you to “return” the money.
If you transfer money without checking your actual wallet balance, you may be sending your own money.
The CSA advises users to verify transaction details before transferring or withdrawing money and to make sure confirmation messages genuinely come from the telecommunications company.
2. Fake Customer-Service Calls
A caller may introduce himself as:
“MTN Head Office.”
“Telecel Customer Service.”
“MoMo Fraud Department.”
“Bank of Ghana.”
“Cybersecurity Department.”
The caller may even know your name.
That does not prove the person is genuine.
The scammer may claim that:
- your account is about to be blocked;
- somebody is trying to withdraw your money;
- your SIM registration has a problem;
- your MoMo account needs to be upgraded;
- a suspicious transaction has occurred;
- you have received money by mistake; or
- your account needs immediate verification.
The purpose is often to frighten you into following instructions quickly.
Do not provide your PIN or OTP.
Do not continue simply because the caller sounds professional.
3. Fake SMS Alerts
A criminal may send a message designed to look like a genuine mobile money notification.
For example:
“You have received GH¢1,500.”
A caller then contacts you and asks you to return the money.
The safest approach is to check your wallet independently.
A text message is not the same thing as verified funds in your account.
MTN’s official fraud-reporting options specifically include categories such as fake SMS, fake promotions and wrong-transfer/reversal fraud.
4. PIN and OTP Theft
Your MoMo PIN should never be given to:
- a mobile money agent;
- a telecom employee;
- a police officer calling you unexpectedly;
- a friend;
- a relative;
- an online seller;
- someone claiming to reverse a transaction; or
- someone claiming to protect your wallet.
The CSA states clearly that mobile money agents and telecommunications workers should not request your PIN to perform a transaction for you.
5. Phishing Links
Modern MoMo scams are increasingly connected to WhatsApp, SMS, social media and fake websites.
You may receive messages saying:
“Verify your account now.”
“Your SIM will be blocked.”
“Claim your reward.”
“Update your Ghana Card.”
“Complete this form to receive your money.”
MTN Ghana warned customers in May 2026 not to click suspicious links received through WhatsApp, SMS or websites. The company said criminals may impersonate friends, companies, banks or government agencies and use urgent requests to convince victims to provide information.
The CSA has also warned about fraudulent forms that request information such as a victim’s phone number, network, transaction details, MoMo PIN or OTP.
6. WhatsApp Account Takeover and SIM-Swap Fraud
Sometimes MoMo fraud begins outside your wallet.
The CSA has warned that criminals may convince victims to reveal verification codes and then use those codes to compromise accounts. In some cases, criminals may attempt SIM-swap fraud, where they impersonate a victim in an effort to obtain control of the victim’s mobile number.
Control of a phone number can be particularly dangerous because verification messages and OTPs may be linked to that number.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Mobile Money
1. Never Give Anyone Your MoMo PIN
This should be your number-one rule.
Your PIN is for you alone.
Do not give it to an agent.
Do not dictate it over the phone.
Do not send it through WhatsApp.
Do not enter it into a website sent to you by a stranger.
2. Never Share an OTP or Verification Code
If somebody calls and says:
“I have sent you a code. Please read it to me so I can help you.”
Stop immediately.
The code may actually be authorising access to your account.
The CSA advises people to treat verification codes like passwords and never share them.
3. Use a Strong PIN
Avoid easy PINs such as:
1234
1111
2222
0000
Also avoid obvious personal information such as your birth year or birthday.
The CSA specifically recommends avoiding easily guessed PIN combinations and changing a weak PIN.
4. Do Not Let an Agent Operate Your Phone
If you are making a transaction at a mobile money shop, retain control of your phone.
The CSA advises customers not to hand their phones to agents to perform transactions because doing so can expose customers to fraud.
5. Check the Recipient’s Name Before Confirming
Before entering your PIN, read the transaction information carefully.
Check:
- the telephone number;
- the recipient’s registered name;
- the amount;
- the transaction type; and
- any charges.
If one detail is wrong, cancel the transaction.
A few extra seconds can prevent a major financial loss.
6. Verify Money Before Releasing Goods
This is especially important for traders, online sellers, restaurants, delivery businesses and shops.
Do not hand over an expensive product simply because the customer shows you a screenshot or says, “I have sent it.”
Check your own account.
Confirm that the transaction has actually been credited.
For cash-in transactions at a merchant, the CSA similarly recommends waiting for genuine network confirmation before leaving.
7. Do Not Trust Screenshots
A screenshot can be edited.
A message displayed on another person’s telephone can also be fabricated.
Your decision should be based on what appears in your own verified wallet or official transaction records, not what someone shows you.
8. Be Suspicious When Someone Creates Panic
Fraudsters often want you to act before you have time to think.
Watch for statements such as:
“Do it immediately.”
“Your account will be blocked in five minutes.”
“Don’t end the call.”
“Do not tell anybody.”
“Enter the PIN quickly.”
“If you disconnect, you will lose your money.”
Urgency is a warning sign.
End the conversation and contact the organisation independently.
MTN Ghana specifically advises customers to be suspicious of communications that create panic or pressure people into urgent action.
9. Contact Companies Using Numbers You Find Yourself
If someone claims to be calling from your network, bank or another institution, do not automatically call the number the person gives you.
Use the official company’s website, app or established customer-service number.
For example, MTN Ghana lists 100 as a customer-care number and provides official channels for reporting MoMo fraud.
Telecel Ghana currently lists 100 from its network, 050 555 5111 as a helpline and 050 100 0300 for WhatsApp support.
AT’s current terms also instruct customers who believe that their SIM or PIN has been compromised to contact its helpline on 100 immediately.
Because customer-service numbers and procedures can change, users should still verify contact information on the provider’s official website.
10. Protect Your Phone Itself
Use:
- a strong screen lock;
- fingerprint or facial authentication where available;
- an updated operating system;
- official apps;
- WhatsApp two-step verification; and
- automatic phone locking.
Do not leave an unlocked phone unattended at a shop, workplace or public place.
Be Careful When Buying Things Online
Mobile money fraud is also common in online shopping.
A beautiful Facebook, TikTok, Instagram or WhatsApp page does not automatically represent a genuine business.
The CSA has warned about fraudsters creating fake online businesses or false contact information, receiving mobile money payments and then blocking victims without delivering the promised products.
Before paying:
Check how long the business has existed.
Search for independent reviews.
Confirm the business’s telephone number from an official source.
Check whether the MoMo account name reasonably matches the person or business you are dealing with.
For expensive purchases, consider paying after seeing or inspecting the item where that is practical.
Be especially careful with prices that are far below the normal market price.
What to Do If You Realise You Have Been Scammed
Speed matters.
Do not spend hours arguing with the fraudster.
Step 1: Stop communicating with the scammer
Do not send additional money to “unlock,” “reverse,” “recover” or “refund” the first payment.
Fraudsters sometimes exploit victims twice by claiming another payment is required to recover the original money.
Step 2: Contact your mobile money provider immediately
Tell the provider that you suspect fraud.
Give them the:
- fraudulent telephone number;
- amount transferred;
- date and time;
- transaction ID; and
- description of what happened.
Ask whether the recipient wallet or transaction can be flagged, traced or otherwise addressed under the provider’s procedures.
For MTN MoMo, MTN currently provides a fraud-reporting process through *170#, under “My Wallet” and “Report Fraud.”
Step 3: Change or secure compromised credentials
If you disclosed a PIN, OTP or other security information, inform your provider immediately.
Change your PIN using the provider’s legitimate procedure where appropriate.
Do not depend solely on changing the PIN if you believe your SIM, phone or account has already been compromised. Contact the provider as well.
Step 4: Preserve the evidence
Do not immediately delete:
- SMS messages;
- WhatsApp conversations;
- screenshots;
- transaction IDs;
- call logs;
- telephone numbers;
- social-media profiles;
- website addresses; or
- payment receipts.
These may help investigators.
Step 5: Report the incident to Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority
The CSA operates a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact.
The Authority currently lists:
Call or SMS: 292
WhatsApp: 050 160 3111
Email: report@csa.gov.gh
In August 2026, the CSA also encouraged members of the public to contact 292 before sending money when they suspect fraud, rather than waiting until the money has already been transferred. The Authority warned that recovery becomes considerably more difficult once stolen money has been withdrawn.
Step 6: Report serious cases to the Ghana Police Service
Especially where significant money has been lost, impersonation has occurred, threats are involved, or there appears to be an organised criminal scheme, make a formal police report and preserve the documentation connected with the case.
One Rule Can Prevent Many MoMo Scams
When something unusual happens involving your mobile money account, remember these three words:
STOP. CHECK. VERIFY.
Stop before entering your PIN or sending money.
Check your actual wallet balance and transaction information yourself.
Verify the person’s story through an official and independent channel.
The caller may know your name.
The caller may know which network you use.
The caller may sound educated.
The caller may speak your local language fluently.
The caller may even know that you recently made a transaction.
None of those things proves that the caller works for your mobile money provider.
Final Message
Mobile money itself is not the enemy. It remains an important and convenient financial service for millions of people in Ghana. The danger comes when criminals manipulate trust, fear, urgency and lack of information to convince users to authorise actions they would normally refuse.
You do not need to understand advanced cybersecurity to protect yourself from many common MoMo scams.
Never disclose your PIN.
Never disclose your OTP.
Never follow transaction instructions from an unexpected caller.
Never return supposedly mistaken money without independently confirming that the money actually entered your account.
Never trust a payment screenshot when you can verify the transaction yourself.
And whenever something does not feel right, end the conversation and contact your mobile money provider or the Cyber Security Authority through an independently verified official channel.
A genuine customer-service officer will not need your secret PIN to protect your money.
A few minutes spent verifying a transaction can protect savings that may have taken years to build.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for public education and fraud-prevention purposes. Fraud techniques, mobile money procedures and official reporting channels may change over time. Readers should verify current procedures directly with their mobile money provider, the Cyber Security Authority, the Bank of Ghana or other relevant authorities. Reporting fraud quickly may improve the possibility of investigation or intervention, but reporting does not guarantee that stolen money will be recovered.
References
Bank of Ghana. (2026, August 16). BoG financial literacy education on secure banking practices. Bank of Ghana.
Bank of Ghana – Secure Banking Practices
Cyber Security Authority. (n.d.). Mobile money fraud. Cyber Security Authority, Ghana.
Cyber Security Authority – Mobile Money Fraud
Cyber Security Authority. (2024, March 28). Surge in online blackmail/extortion cases. Cyber Security Authority, Ghana.
Cyber Security Authority – Online Fraud Advisory
Cyber Security Authority. (2024, May 29). Surge in WhatsApp account takeovers. Cyber Security Authority, Ghana.
Cyber Security Authority – WhatsApp Account Takeovers
Cyber Security Authority. (2026, April 30). Fraudulent online business impersonation schemes. Cyber Security Authority, Ghana.
Cyber Security Authority – Fraudulent Business Impersonation
Graphic Online. (2026, August 11). Call 292 before sending money to suspected fraudsters, Cyber Security Authority warns.
Graphic Online – Call 292 Before Sending Money
MobileMoney Ltd. (2026, March 1). MobileMoney Ltd responds to viral TikTok video by Healwithdiana, advises customers to report fraud on 419. MyJoyOnline.
MyJoyOnline – MobileMoney Ltd Fraud Statement
MyJoyOnline. (2026, August 11). Three convicted for defrauding trader of GH¢38,450 through fake MoMo transaction.
MyJoyOnline – GH¢38,450 MoMo Fraud Case
MTN Ghana. (2023, September 19). How do I report Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud? MTN Ghana Help Center.
MTN Ghana – How to Report MoMo Fraud
MTN Ghana. (2026, May 12). Scam alert: Protect your personal information. MTN Ghana.
MTN Ghana – Scam Alert
Telecel Ghana. (n.d.). Contact us. Telecel Ghana.
Telecel Ghana – Official Contact Page
AT Ghana. (n.d.). Terms and conditions for ATMoney. AT Ghana.
AT Ghana – ATMoney Terms and Conditions
