MTN MoMo launches new system to block fraudulent SMS
MTN MoMo Limited has intensified its fight against mobile money fraud with the introduction of a new system that automatically blocks fraudulent SMS messages designed to mimic official communications.
The initiative, part of the company’s broader anti-fraud strategy, aims to protect customers’ funds and safeguard public trust in digital payments, as mobile money usage continues to expand rapidly across the country.
Speaking at the launch of a new customer rewards promotion, Abdul-Majeed Rufai, Acting Chief Commercial Operations Officer of MTN MoMo, explained that fraudsters often target customers during promotional periods with deceptive messages.
“Today, when it comes to the SMS that customers get, we block a number of messages that try to mimic official MTN MoMo communications. This ensures that such fraudulent messages never reach our customers,” Rufai said.
The system automatically screens and prevents suspicious messages from being delivered to customers’ phones, effectively stopping scams before they occur.
According to Mr Rufai, fraudsters usually impersonate MTN staff or send fake prize notifications in an attempt to trick unsuspecting customers into divulging personal information such as PINs or one-time passwords (OTPs).
To complement the technology, MTN MoMo is rolling out a nationwide fraud awareness campaign through television, radio, social media and in-person community engagements, all delivered in local languages.
“We are taking education to the doorsteps of our customers in markets, communities, and using drama in local languages so that every customer understands how to protect themselves,” he explained.
He reiterated that no MTN employee would ever call from any number other than 0244300000, and emphasised that even when calls come from this official line, customers will never be asked to disclose their PINs or OTPs.
Mr Rufai noted that fraud attempts tend to increase during promotions, hence the importance of strengthening security systems alongside deepening customer education.
“We believe education is the most effective weapon in fighting fraud. With this new blocking system and ongoing awareness campaigns, we are showing customers that we are with them in this fight,” he said.
The push to curb cyber fraud comes at a time when millions of Ghanaians rely on mobile money services for payments, transfers and savings. Industry players say protecting the ecosystem from fraudsters is critical to sustaining trust and driving adoption.
MTN MoMo says its strategy of combining technology, public education and enhanced customer verification measures will make mobile money safer, while also rewarding customer loyalty through its ongoing promotional campaign, which runs until 15 December 2025.
