Common mobile money scams in Uganda and how to avoid them

Mobile money fraud costs Ugandans billions of shillings every year. Most scams depend on one thing: tricking you into sharing your PIN or sending money yourself.

The 6 most common scams

1. "I sent money to you by mistake." You get a fake SMS that looks like a MoMo or Airtel Money message, then a call asking you to "send it back". Always check your real balance (dial the menu) – the fake SMS never came from the network.
2. Fake customer care calls. Someone claims to be from MTN or Airtel and asks for your PIN to "fix" or "upgrade" your account. Real staff never ask for your PIN.
3. "You have won a promotion." You are told to pay a "processing fee" to receive a prize.
4. SIM swap fraud. Criminals take over your number to empty your wallet. If your phone suddenly shows "no network" for a long time, call your provider immediately.
5. Fake job and loan offers that ask for an "application fee" by mobile money.
6. Dial-this-code tricks. A caller asks you to dial a code that actually transfers money or changes your settings.

How to protect yourself

• Never share your PIN – not even with an agent or family member.
• Check every SMS against your real balance.
• Official MTN messages come from "MobileMoney" and Airtel's from "AirtelMoney" – but fraudsters can still fake names, so always check the balance.
• Lock your phone and SIM with a PIN.

What to do if you are scammed

1. Call your network immediately (MTN or Airtel customer care: 100) to request that the recipient's account be blocked and the transaction reversed if possible.
2. Report to police (999/112) and get a reference number.
3. Keep screenshots of messages and the scammer's number.

Frequently asked questions

Can MTN reverse mobile money sent to the wrong number?

MTN and Airtel can reverse a transaction if the recipient has not withdrawn it. Report it as quickly as possible.

Will MTN or Airtel ever ask for my PIN?

No. Anyone asking for your PIN is a fraudster.