The scams that have grown up around MoMo, and they are relentless enough that most Ghanaians can name three.
The common shapes:
- The reversal. You get a message saying money was sent to you in error, then a call begging you to send it back. The original message is fake.
- The impostor. Someone calls claiming to be from your network, says your wallet has a problem, and needs your PIN or a code to fix it. No network ever asks for your PIN.
- The prize. You have won a promotion. To release it, send a fee.
- The agent. A cash-out agent enters a larger amount than you asked for, or asks to “help” by taking your phone.
- The wrong number. A transfer that is one digit out and is not coming back without the recipient’s goodwill.
Three habits stop nearly all of it: never share a PIN or a code, check
the balance in the app or on *170# rather than trusting an SMS, and read
the recipient name back before confirming.