Police say they are working closely with mobile money companies, including EcoCash, and other law enforcement agencies to protect customers and the public from online fraud and to bring those responsible to justice.
This follows complaints from some EcoCash users who said money had disappeared from their wallets. Others reported that funds were being intercepted before reaching the intended recipient.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged the public to remain alert and cautious online.
He warned people not to open links from unknown or suspicious sources, especially those advertising unusually cheap or attractive deals, as these could expose users to hackers. Said Nyathi:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police alerts the public regarding fraudulent activities targeting mobile money users, particularly EcoCash customers.
“Scammers are tricking individuals into divulging sensitive information, including their mobile number, (Personal Identification Number) and OTP (One Time Password, resulting in unauthorised access to their accounts and potential financial loss.
“The criminals lure their victims using fake online promotions purporting to offer very cheap products, such as cheap data packages or quick loans on easy and attractive repayment terms, to be paid using mobile money.
“Once the unsuspecting victim discloses their confidential personal security information (PIN and OTP), the online criminals then gain access to the victim’s mobile money wallet, without the customer’s knowledge and start abusing their funds.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to be vigilant and exercise caution when opening links from online sources offering deceptively cheap and attractive deals and bargains.”
The ZRP has urged members of the public to take steps to protect themselves from mobile money fraud.
Police warned people never to share their secret PIN or one-time password (OTP) with anyone, stressing that mobile money service providers such as EcoCash or OneMoney will never ask customers for this information.
The ZRP also advised the public not to click on links found on the internet or on social media platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram or WhatsApp, especially those advertising unverified promotions or suspicious loan schemes.
People were encouraged to be cautious of websites or messages that use fake logos of mobile money companies or falsely claim to use platforms like EcoCash or OneMoney as a payment method.
Police further emphasised that genuine mobile money platforms will never ask customers to transfer money to another person’s wallet or bank account for “safekeeping”. Added Commissioner Nyathi:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is working closely with mobile money companies, including EcoCash, and other law enforcement agencies, to protect customers and the general public from online fraud and to help bring perpetrators to book.
“We urge the public to only participate in marketing promotions from legitimate, verified, mobile money companies’ digital platforms.
“We encourage members of the public affected to seek help through official mobile money company customer support channels and service centres and to report such matters to the Police on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703 631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.”
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