MoMo Agents Warned Over Agent SIM Ownership Transfer Scam
The United Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana (UMMAAG) has warned Mobile Money Agents across the country against paying money to individuals claiming to facilitate the change or transfer of ownership of Agent Business SIMs.
In a fraud alert issued on November 5, UMMAAG said it has noted with grave concern increasing reports of agents being approached by individuals promising to facilitate the change of ownership (regularization) of Agent SIMs in exchange for money, only for such transactions to turn out to be fraudulent.
UMMAAG noted that the change-of-ownership/regularization exercise has not yet commenced.
“Therefore, any individual claiming to have the capacity to facilitate a change or transfer of ownership at a fee should be treated as fraudulent and must not be trusted.”
The Association said it has also received reports of unscrupulous individuals impersonating staff of Mobile Money Fintech Ltd (MMFL) and taking advantage of agents who are anxious to regularise or transfer ownership of their Agent SIMs. These individuals demand substantial sums of money and, in many cases, the promised service is never delivered.
UMMAAG stated that Mobile Money Fintech Ltd (MMFL) and other partners do not charge agents for transfer of ownership.
Agents across the country were strongly advised not to make payments to individuals claiming to have special access, connections, or the ability to facilitate the process.
Acknowledging the frustration and anxiety arising from the ongoing KYC Update Exercise, particularly among agents who are concerned about losing access to their MoMo Agent accounts, it urged vigilance patience, and caution.
The leadership of UMMAAG said it will officially communicate to agents when the necessary clearance has been given for the change-of-ownership/regularization exercise to commence.
“In the meantime, every agent is strongly encouraged to complete the ongoing KYC Update Exercise, notwithstanding any challenges or difficulties encountered. Agents experiencing difficulties with the KYC update may visit the nearest MTN office for assistance.”
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