MTN has urged customers not to fall for a new scam doing the rounds where customers are being called and asked for their one-time pin (OTP).
Once the pin is obtained, the fraudsters are then able to buy data or airtime from the customer’s accounts, after which that data or airtime is transferred to other numbers.
This activity is a scam and it is not part of any MTN promotion, the telecommunications provider says. It stresses that the company will never contact a customer via text, email or telephonically, to request access to a one-time pin, or to any other personal information.
Authentic MTN promotions are backed up by advertising on a number of channels including through broadcast and print media, at branded stores, on billboards, in the Y’ello Trader magazine, on the MTN website and through the company’s social media platforms.
Jacqui O’Sullivan, corporate affairs executive at MTN SA, says: “Unfortunately, fraudsters are everywhere and we want to be sure all our customers are protected at all times, across our entire business. Our systems are designed to safeguard our customer’s information from crimes such as data theft, sim swap fraud, identity theft and others but we need all our customers to remain vigilant at all times.”
MTN has recently introduced a fingerprint biometric solution, which is believes is a first for the telecoms sector in South Africa.
The biometric system is used to authenticate the identity of post-paid (contract) subscribers when they undertake a range of transactions, including applying for a new contract or an additional SIM, performing an upgrade or SIM swap and loading of chargeable value added services.
“MTN aims to protect customers from fraudulent transactions that often originate elsewhere as identity theft. Any business has to stay one step ahead of these criminals at all times and at MTN, we will continue to do all we can to best protect our valued customers,” O’Sullivan adds.