Police Warn of Rising Cybercrime as Fraudsters Target Bank, Mobile Money Users

Gweru — Police in the Midlands Province have warned the public about a range of cybercrime schemes targeting bank accounts, mobile money users and people buying goods online, urging victims to report fraud immediately to limit financial losses.

In a public advisory on Wednesday, October 28, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Midlands Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said criminals were exploiting gaps in digital literacy and cyber safety as financial services increasingly move online.

"While digital financial integration has brought convenience to the public, opportunistic criminals have been observed to be exploiting gaps in digital literacy and cyber safety," Inspector Mahoko said.

"We implore upon those in business and the general public to be aware of emerging scams," he said.

He said the scams include fraudulent SMS messages and WhatsApp links designed to steal banking or mobile money credentials, card cloning, unauthorised account access, identity theft and online shopping fraud.

"The primary modus operandi observed in the province includes Phishing Scams & Smishing: Unsuspecting victims receiving fraudulent SMS messages or WhatsApp links prompting them to "update" banking or mobile money credentials.

"Card Cloning and Unauthorized Account Access: Syndicates misusing compromised bank details or intercepted PINs.

"Advance-Fee & Online Shopping Scams: Fraudsters advertising goods or services on social media (e.g. vehicles, livestock or agricultural inputs), taking upfront payments via mobile transfers, and vanishing.  

"Identity Theft & Account Takeovers: Criminals impersonating banking officials or public figures to solicit sensitive details like One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or PINs," said Inspector Mahoko.

Police said their Criminal Investigation Department’s Commercial Crimes Division and Cybercrime Unit were investigating cases, together with other stakeholders, by tracing electronic money transfers, identifying compromised accounts and pursuing suspected criminal networks.

"ZRP has actively instituted multi-pronged interventions to track, apprehend and prosecute perpetrators.

"Targeted Investigations and Intelligence Units: The CID Commercial Crimes Division and Cybercrime Unit work continuously to trace electronic money trails, locate compromised accounts, and intercept syndicates.

"Inter-Agency Collaboration: We maintain close operational synergies with financial institutions, mobile network operators (MNOs) and statutory bodies like the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) to expedite account freezing, digital evidence collection and suspect tracking," Inspector Mahoko said.

The advisory urged the public never to disclose sensitive banking details over the phone, warning that legitimate institutions and officials would not ask for card PINs, online banking passwords or OTPs in this way.

People buying goods from individuals online were advised to verify sellers physically or use secure, reputable payment methods before transferring money.

"Members of the public are reminded that no bank, official or police officer will ever ask for your card PIN, online banking password or OTP over the phone. Never share these details.  

"...Citizens engaging in peer-to-peer online purchases should verify sellers physically or use secure, reputable payment mechanisms before transferring funds.

"...Victims must report fraudulent activity to their respective bank or financial service provider immediately to facilitate account freezes, followed by lodging an official report at the nearest police station with transaction references," Inspector Mahoko said.

"...Always avoid clicking on unverified links sent via SMS, email or social media messaging platforms," he added.

Inspector Mahoko said cooperation among the police, financial institutions, the media and members of the public was essential to tackling online and banking fraud.