
A viral TikTok video posted on April 12 has reignited concerns over digital fraud in Ghana after a distressed MTN customer claimed she lost GH₵11,000 from her mobile money account without authorization. The emotional testimony has sparked widespread attention online and raised critical questions about the security of mobile money transactions in the country.
Viral TikTok Testimony: “Are We Safe?”
In the video, the woman, visibly shaken, recounted the shocking moment she discovered her funds had vanished.
“MTN Ghana, I was just lying here when I realized someone had withdrawn GH¢11,000 from my mobile money account. Nobody contacted me, no one asked for any transaction ID or my mobile money PIN—so how is this possible?” she asked.
She also expressed deep dissatisfaction with MTN’s customer service, stating that she was told to wait 15 working days for a resolution after reporting the incident.
“The lady who answered was even rude to me. Is this kind of money easy to come by these days?”
MTN MobileMoney LTD Responds: No System Breach, Blames Social Engineering
In response to the public backlash, MobileMoney LTD—MTN Ghana’s mobile financial services arm—issued an official statement on April 15, denying any technical system breach. According to their internal investigation, the loss likely resulted from social engineering fraud, not a security failure on their platform.
“Our findings suggest that this was a case of social engineering, where a person unknowingly shares sensitive information—such as a One-Time Password (OTP), verification link, or PIN—with fraudsters,” the company explained.
Reinforcing Security and Public Education
While MoMo maintains that its systems remain secure, the company reiterated the importance of user vigilance:
- Never share your OTP, PIN, or verification links with anyone—including individuals claiming to be from MTN.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately.
- Independently verify unsolicited requests or messages before taking action.
MoMo emphasized its continued efforts to strengthen transaction security, noting:
“We remain committed to keeping your transactions safe, convenient, and secure.”
Broader Concerns Over Mobile Money Fraud
The incident has sparked renewed debate about the safety of mobile money in Ghana, where millions rely on platforms like MoMo for everyday financial activities. Cybersecurity experts caution that digital scams involving deception and impersonation are on the rise, and often exploit human error more than technical flaws.
The concern is heightened by the fact that Ghana’s mobile money industry has grown rapidly, making it an attractive target for fraudsters. Experts warn that many users may not yet be fully aware of how scams operate or how to protect themselves.
MTN Ghana’s Response and Future Plans
MTN Ghana has since vowed to intensify its anti-fraud initiatives. The company’s CEO has reportedly pledged new security measures and renewed customer education efforts aimed at minimizing mobile money-related fraud.
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