Mobile money fraud is a massive problem in East Africa. The GSMA estimates hundreds of millions of shillings and Uganda shillings are lost annually to MoMo scams. Here are the ones you need to know.
1. The fake "you've received money" SMS
You get an SMS that looks exactly like an official MTN or Safaricom message: "You have received UGX 500,000 from 0771XXXXXX." The scammer then calls you pretending to be the sender, saying they accidentally sent to your number and asking you to "return" it. You send. The original SMS? Fake.
2. The wrong number reversal
Similar to above but via an actual transaction. They send you real money, then call claiming it was a mistake and ask you to send it back — before you notice they'll quickly contact MoMo and reverse the original transaction. You end up sending your own money.
3. The SIM swap
Scammers bribe telecom agents to transfer your phone number to a new SIM they control. They then access your mobile money account, drain it, and you only find out when your phone stops working.
4. The "agent" withdrawal scam
A fake "MoMo agent" asks you to enter your PIN to "process" a withdrawal. They're watching. Now they have your PIN and number.
5. The love interest fare scam
Someone you've been chatting with online needs fare to "come see you." They're emotional, convincing. You send. They never come. The profile was fake. This one hurts the most.
6. The job offer advance fee
You're offered a job. They need you to send money to "register" or "process your documents." The job doesn't exist.
7. The marketplace no-delivery
You pay upfront for an item on Jiji, WhatsApp, or Facebook Marketplace. Seller confirms, sends fake tracking, disappears.
How TumaFare helps with #5 and #7
TumaFare doesn't protect against all scams — but for the two biggest real-world ones (love interest fare and marketplace fraud), it adds a critical layer. Payment doesn't move until arrival or delivery is confirmed. The scammer can't collect without physically showing up. Most won't bother.
Stay sharp. tumafare.com