Mobile money services like MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, and others have made daily transactions easy for millions of Ugandans.
But as mobile money grows, so do the risks — fraudsters are using clever tricks to scam users out of their hard-earned money.
This safety guide shows you how to avoid mobile money scams in Uganda, stay alert, and protect your money across all networks.
Common Mobile Money Scams in Uganda
Understanding the common fraud tricks can help you avoid becoming a victim.
Here are the most popular scams in Uganda today:
- Fake Promotions & Giveaways – Scammers pose as telecom companies offering fake rewards.
- Phishing Messages – Fraudsters send SMS or calls pretending to be customer care.
- SIM Swap Fraud – Criminals hijack your number to access mobile money.
- Agent Fraud – Unauthorized agents steal money during transactions.
- Wrong Number Scams – Fraudsters claim you received money by mistake and ask for a refund.
How to Stay Safe – Step-by-Step Tips
Step 1: Never Share Your PIN
Your PIN is your key. Keep it private. No one — not even a real agent — should ask for it.
Reminder: MTN, Airtel, and other providers will never ask for your PIN.
Step 2: Verify Every Caller
If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from customer service, hang up and call your provider’s official line.
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MTN Uganda: 100 or 077 100 100
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Airtel Uganda: 100 or 075 100 100
Step 3: Ignore “You Won” Messages
Any message asking you to pay money to receive a prize is fake. Real promotions from MTN, Airtel, etc., are publicly advertised on radio, TV, and their official platforms.
Step 4: Confirm Recipient Name Before Sending Money
Always check if the name that appears matches the person you want to send to. If it looks suspicious, cancel the transaction.
Step 5: Report Suspicious Numbers or Activity
If you suspect a scam, report it immediately:
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MTN: Dial *180# or SMS 036 1200 777
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Airtel: Call 100 or SMS 185
Real-Life Scam Example.
Scam Example: Janet from Kampala got a call from someone claiming to be from MTN. They said her account had an error and asked for her PIN. Minutes later, UGX 400,000 disappeared from her account. She later found out it was a scam.
This is just one of many daily cases. Stay alert.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
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Call customer care immediately to freeze your mobile money account.
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Visit the nearest service center to report the incident and replace your SIM.
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File a police report and notify the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
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Warn your contacts in case the scammer tries to target them next
Trusted Mobile Money Providers in Uganda
| Provider | USSD Code | Customer Care |
|---|---|---|
| MTN MoMo | *165# | 100 / 077 100 100 |
| Airtel Money | *185# | 100 / 075 100 100 |
Red Flags to Watch Out For
| 🚩 Warning Sign | ⚠️ What It Means |
|---|---|
| Asked for your PIN | Scam alert! |
| Fake “you won” SMS | Promotion scam |
| Call from unknown number rushing you | Pressure tactic |
| Sent money but no SMS confirmation | Fake message |
Safety Tips for Business Owners Using Mobile Money
If you run a small business, these tips can protect your income:
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Use separate lines for business and personal use.
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Reconcile your mobile money every evening.
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Use MoMoPay or Airtel Merchant Codes instead of your number.
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Avoid giving workers full access to your mobile phone or wallet PIN
Final Thoughts
Mobile money scams are real, but you can beat them with knowledge and vigilance. Always protect your PIN, verify messages, and report fraud.
💡 Stay smart. Stay safe.
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