Top MoMo Scams in Ghana and How to Avoid Them

Mobile Money, popularly known as MoMo in Ghana, has made it easier to send money, pay bills, buy airtime, purchase data bundles and receive payments without visiting a bank. However, scammers are using phone calls, text messages, WhatsApp, fake promotions and other tricks to steal money from unsuspecting users.

You might receive a call from someone claiming to work for MTN, receive a message saying money has been sent to your wallet, or see an online offer promising to double your money. These situations can appear genuine, but they may be attempts to gain access to your account.

The Ghana Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and mobile network operators have repeatedly warned customers about mobile money fraud, including fake reversal requests, phishing messages, impersonation and SIM-swap attacks.

Knowing how these scams work can help you protect your money and recognise suspicious requests before they cause financial loss.

This guide explains the common MoMo scams in Ghana, how to avoid them, and what to do if you become a victim.

1. The Wrong MoMo Transfer and Fake Reversal Scam

The wrong-transfer scam is one of the common ways fraudsters target MoMo users in Ghana.

A scammer may call you and claim they accidentally sent money to your number. They might say they intended to send GH₵100 to a relative but mistakenly transferred it to you.

They may even send a fake transaction SMS or show you a screenshot that appears to confirm the transfer.

The caller then asks you to return the money immediately. In some cases, the fraudster may pressure you to approve a transaction or follow instructions that give them access to your wallet.

The trick is designed to make you act before checking whether the money actually arrived.

How to avoid a wrong-transfer scam

Never rely solely on a caller’s explanation, an SMS screenshot or a message claiming that money has been sent.

Check your own MoMo balance and transaction history through your network’s official channel. If no payment appears, do not send money to the caller.

If money genuinely arrives from someone who claims to have sent it by mistake, do not spend it. Ask the sender to use the official reversal process through their mobile money provider rather than asking you to disclose your PIN or approve an unexplained transaction.

For MTN Ghana, the sender can initiate a self-service reversal by dialling *170#, selecting option 6 for My Wallet, choosing option 8 for Reversal, selecting the transaction and confirming the request.

A reversal request must be handled through the official process. Never reveal your MoMo PIN to help someone recover a mistaken transfer.

2. Fake MTN Customer Care Calls

Some scammers call people while pretending to be MTN Ghana customer care representatives, MoMo agents or members of a fraud investigation team.

They may claim that your wallet has a problem, your account will be blocked, or suspicious activity has been detected. They then ask you to confirm your identity by providing your MoMo PIN, a one-time password (OTP) or a verification code.

The caller may sound professional and use technical language to appear genuine.

Their real objective is to obtain information that can help them access your wallet or trick you into authorising a transaction.

How to avoid fake customer care calls

Never share your MoMo PIN, OTP or other confidential security codes with a caller, even if the person claims to work for MTN.

End the call if someone asks for these details. Contact MTN through its verified customer support channels instead.

MTN Ghana has specifically warned customers about impersonation and phishing attacks. Its official guidance states that the company will not ask customers for their PIN or password through a text link or social media message.

You can contact MTN through its toll-free customer care number, 100, or visit its official website at https://mtn.com.gh/.

Do not use a phone number supplied by a suspicious caller or message to verify that caller’s identity.

3. Fake MoMo SMS and Transaction Alerts

A fraudster may send a message claiming that you have received money, won a prize or completed a transaction.

Some messages imitate the wording or appearance of legitimate mobile money notifications. Others claim that your wallet has been credited when no payment has actually taken place.

The scammer may then ask you to release goods, provide a service, return the supposed payment or send money to another account.

For example, someone buying a product from you could show you a fake payment confirmation and insist that you hand over the item immediately.

How to avoid fake transaction messages

Always verify a payment in your own wallet before releasing goods or providing a service.

Check your transaction history and available balance through your network’s official service. Do not depend on screenshots, forwarded messages or the buyer’s phone.

If the payment has not appeared in your account, treat it as unconfirmed.

This precaution is particularly useful for traders, online sellers, delivery businesses and anyone who receives frequent MoMo payments.

4. Fake Promotions, Giveaways and Lottery Scams

Have you ever received a message claiming that you have won cash, a smartphone or another expensive prize?

The message may use the name of MTN or another company to make the offer appear legitimate. It may say that you were selected for a promotion and must act quickly to claim your reward.

The scammer then asks you to pay a processing fee, provide your account details, reveal a verification code or follow unfamiliar USSD instructions.

Some fake promotions also use suspicious links that lead to websites designed to steal personal information.

How to avoid fake promotion scams

Verify promotions directly through the company’s official website, app or customer service channels.

Do not pay an unfamiliar person to release a prize you supposedly won. Be suspicious of offers that promise unusually large rewards without clear terms and conditions.

Never reveal your MoMo PIN to claim a prize.

If a promotion requires you to dial a code or approve a transaction, stop and verify the offer first. An unfamiliar USSD sequence can lead you into authorising an action you did not intend to perform.

5. Phishing Links Sent Through SMS, WhatsApp and Social Media

Phishing is a type of scam in which criminals use fake messages or websites to steal confidential information.

You might receive a message claiming that your MoMo account needs verification, your SIM registration is incomplete, or your wallet will be suspended unless you update your details.

The message contains a link that takes you to a website resembling an official service page. The page may ask for your phone number, Ghana Card details, PIN or verification code.

Once you enter the information, the scammer may use it to access your account or carry out unauthorised transactions.

How to avoid phishing scams

Do not click suspicious links sent by unknown numbers or unexpected social media messages.

When you need to access an account, open the official app or type the company’s verified website address into your browser rather than using a link in an unsolicited message.

Check the website address carefully. A padlock or HTTPS connection alone does not prove that a website is legitimate.

Do not enter your MoMo PIN or OTP into a website reached through an unverified link.

MTN Ghana’s security guidance recommends verifying the sender independently and avoiding messages that pressure you to act urgently.

6. SIM-Swap Fraud

SIM-swap fraud occurs when a criminal obtains control of your mobile number through an unauthorised SIM replacement or related account takeover.

If the fraudster gains control of your number, they may receive calls and messages intended for you. Depending on the account protections involved, this can help them intercept verification codes or attempt to access financial services linked to your phone number.

One warning sign is when your phone suddenly loses network service and you can no longer make calls or receive SMS messages without a clear reason.

A temporary network problem does not automatically mean your SIM has been swapped, but an unexpected and prolonged loss of service should not be ignored.

How to avoid SIM-swap fraud

Protect your personal information and avoid sharing identity documents or account details with people whose requests you cannot verify.

If your number suddenly stops working, contact your mobile network operator through an official channel as soon as possible to determine whether there is a SIM or account problem.

If you suspect that someone has taken control of your number, tell the operator that you are concerned about possible SIM-swap fraud and ask for help securing your account.

Review your MoMo transactions and other accounts linked to the number. If you discover an unauthorised transaction, report it immediately.

7. WhatsApp Impersonation and Emergency Money Requests

Scammers sometimes impersonate friends or family members and ask for money urgently.

You may receive a WhatsApp message from a familiar name claiming that the person has lost their phone, needs money for a medical emergency, is stranded or cannot access their own bank account.

In other cases, a criminal may have taken control of someone’s WhatsApp account and is messaging their contacts.

The request may appear believable because the sender uses the person’s name, profile picture or familiar writing style.

How to avoid WhatsApp money-request scams

Before sending money, contact the person through a different method, such as a direct phone call to a number you already know.

Do not rely exclusively on the WhatsApp conversation if the request is unexpected or unusually urgent.

Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone. Enable WhatsApp two-step verification to add another layer of protection to your account.

If a friend appears to be asking for money from a compromised account, notify them through another channel if possible.

8. Fake Online Shops and MoMo Payment Scams

Buying products through Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and other online platforms can be convenient. However, criminals sometimes use fake business pages to collect payments without delivering the goods.

A seller may advertise smartphones, laptops, appliances, clothing or other products at unusually low prices. After you express interest, the seller asks you to pay through MoMo before delivery.

Once the money has been sent, the seller may stop responding, block your number or provide false delivery information.

Some fraudsters also impersonate real businesses by copying their logos, photographs and contact details.

How to avoid online shopping MoMo scams

Check the seller’s reputation and verify business contact details through reliable sources.

Be cautious when a seller insists on full advance payment while refusing reasonable verification or collection arrangements.

Where possible, use a reputable platform with buyer protection or agree on a safe payment method that allows you to verify the goods before completing the transaction.

Confirm the name displayed by your mobile money service before sending money. A name mismatch does not automatically prove fraud, but it is a reason to pause and ask questions.

Do not let unusually low prices or pressure to act quickly prevent you from checking the seller.

9. Fake Loans and Investment Schemes

Some fraudsters advertise instant loans, high-return investments or schemes that promise to double your MoMo balance.

They may claim that you can invest a small amount and receive twice as much money within a few hours or days.

Others impersonate financial institutions and ask for an advance payment, account credentials or a MoMo PIN before releasing a loan.

After receiving the payment or sensitive information, the scammer may disappear.

How to avoid fake loan and investment scams

Research the company and verify its legitimacy through official regulatory or company channels before sending money.

Be cautious of guaranteed high returns, pressure to invest immediately, or requests for upfront payments to unlock funds.

Never disclose your MoMo PIN or OTP to receive a loan.

If an institution claims to offer a financial product through MTN MoMo, check the offer using the official MoMo menu or a verified company channel rather than trusting a forwarded advertisement.

10. Fake MoMo Agents and Device-Access Scams

Another risk arises when a person offers to help you complete a MoMo transaction and asks to handle your phone.

A dishonest person may watch you enter your PIN, navigate your wallet without your full understanding or pressure you into approving a transaction.

Fraudsters can also attempt to install harmful apps or persuade victims to grant unnecessary access to their devices.

How to avoid agent and device-access scams

Keep your phone in your possession when making transactions. Follow the instructions on your own screen and read each confirmation prompt before approving it.

Never tell an agent your secret PIN or allow an unknown person to control your phone while your wallet is open.

If you need help, ask for guidance without surrendering control of your device. Check that the amount, recipient and transaction type are correct before confirming.

The Cyber Security Authority advises customers not to hand their phones to mobile money agents to carry out transactions on their behalf.

11. Fake Refunds and Fraudulent Transaction-Approval Requests

Some fraudsters claim that money is being refunded to your wallet and ask you to approve a prompt or complete a transaction to receive it.

They may describe a debit as a necessary verification step or insist that the refund will fail unless you enter your PIN.

A genuine refund should not require you to blindly approve an unrelated payment to an unknown account.

How to avoid fake refund scams

Read every transaction prompt carefully. Check whether the request is for a credit, debit, transfer, withdrawal or another action.

Reject any transaction you did not initiate or do not understand.

If a company or individual claims to have issued a refund, check your transaction history and verify the refund with the organisation through an official channel.

Do not share your PIN or OTP to receive a refund. Report suspicious messages and requests to your network operator.

Important Rules for Keeping Your MoMo Wallet Safe

The following habits can reduce the risk of losing money to MoMo fraud.

Never share your MoMo PIN

Your PIN is confidential. Do not reveal it to a caller, agent, friend, online seller or person claiming to represent your network operator.

Use a difficult-to-guess PIN

Avoid predictable combinations such as 1234, 1111 or your year of birth. Choose a PIN that other people cannot easily guess.

Confirm the recipient before transferring money

Check the displayed recipient name and number before approving a transfer. A single wrong digit can send money to the wrong account.

Verify every incoming payment

Check your own wallet and transaction history before handing over goods, providing services or returning money to someone claiming to have sent it by mistake.

Avoid suspicious links and unexpected instructions

Do not enter confidential account details on unknown websites. Avoid following USSD instructions supplied by an unsolicited caller.

Keep your phone and apps secure

Use a screen lock, update your apps, download apps only from trusted sources and avoid allowing strangers to operate your phone while your wallet is open.

Act quickly when something seems wrong

If your wallet is accessed without permission, your phone number unexpectedly loses network service, or you notice an unknown transaction, contact your mobile network operator immediately.

What to Do If You Have Been Scammed Through MoMo in Ghana

If you suspect that you have lost money to a scammer, do not wait for the situation to resolve itself.

Follow these steps.

Step 1: Contact your mobile network operator immediately

Report the suspected fraud and explain what happened. Give the support team the transaction reference, amount, date and recipient’s number if available.

Ask for help securing your wallet and checking whether any further unauthorised activity has occurred.

For MTN Ghana, call the official customer care number 100.

Step 2: Report the transaction through MTN MoMo

MTN Ghana provides a fraud-reporting option through its USSD menu.

Dial *170#.
Select option 6 for My Wallet.
Choose option 4 for Report Fraud.
Select the relevant type of fraud.
Follow the displayed instructions to submit the report.

MTN’s Help Centre lists categories such as wrong transfer, the new reversal process, fake SMS, fake blocking and fake promotions.

You can also report suspected MTN MoMo fraud by emailing mmfraudteam.GH@mtn.com.

Official instructions:
https://help-center.mtn.com.gh/hc/en-us/articles/4405588071314-How-do-I-report-Mobile-Money-MoMo-fraud

Step 3: Change your PIN if your account may be compromised

If you believe someone has learned your PIN or gained access to your account, secure the wallet through your operator’s official process. Change your PIN and follow any further account-protection instructions provided by the operator.

Do not use a link supplied by the suspected scammer to secure your account.

Step 4: Preserve the evidence

Keep transaction confirmation messages, suspicious SMS messages, phone numbers, WhatsApp conversations, payment details and other relevant evidence.

Record the transaction ID, amount and approximate time. These details can help the operator and authorities investigate the incident.

Step 5: Report the incident to the Cyber Security Authority

Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority provides channels for reporting suspected cybercrime and seeking guidance.

You can contact the CSA through:

Call: 292
SMS: 292
WhatsApp: 050 160 3111
Email: report@csa.gov.gh
Online reporting: https://csa.gov.gh/report

For suspected criminal activity, you can also contact the Ghana Police Service. Its published helplines include 18555 and 191.

Reporting does not guarantee that lost money will be recovered, but prompt reporting can support investigation and help protect your account.

Frequently Asked Questions About MoMo Scams in Ghana

What are the common types of MoMo scams in Ghana?

Common methods include fake wrong-transfer requests, impersonation calls, phishing links, fake promotions, SIM-swap fraud, WhatsApp impersonation, fake online shops and fraudulent loan or investment offers.

Will MTN Ghana ask for my MoMo PIN over the phone?

You should never disclose your PIN to someone claiming to be an MTN representative. If a caller asks for your PIN or OTP, end the conversation and contact MTN through an official channel.

What is the MTN MoMo fraud reporting code?

Dial *170#, select option 6 for My Wallet, choose option 4 for Report Fraud, then follow the displayed instructions.

Can I recover money lost to a MoMo scam?

Recovery depends on the circumstances of the transaction and the outcome of the investigation. Contact your network operator immediately, provide the transaction details and follow the official reporting process. There is no guarantee that every loss can be recovered.

How can I tell if an MTN MoMo message is fake?

Be cautious of messages that demand your PIN, ask you to click unfamiliar links, promise prizes for a fee, or pressure you to act immediately. Verify payments through your own wallet and confirm unusual requests through official channels.

What should I do if someone claims to have sent money to me by mistake?

Check your own transaction history and available balance first. Do not rely on screenshots or messages provided by the caller. If the transfer is genuine, ask the sender to follow their provider’s official reversal process. Never disclose your PIN or approve an unexplained transaction.

Where can I report mobile money fraud in Ghana?

Start by contacting your mobile network operator. MTN users can report suspected MoMo fraud through the *170# menu or email mmfraudteam.GH@mtn.com. You can also contact the Cyber Security Authority by calling or texting 292, using WhatsApp on 050 160 3111, or emailing report@csa.gov.gh.

Official Resources for MoMo Safety

For more information, consult these sources: