Efya Blasts MTN Over MoMo Fraud Attempt

Ghanaian music star Efya has publicly accused MTN Ghana of poor security after she reported an attempted fraud on her mobile money (MoMo) account.

Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) page, the singer expressed shock and frustration over a suspicious transaction attempt on her account without her permission.

Efya revealed that she received a One-Time Password (OTP) asking her to confirm a payment of GH¢107.10 to an account named “Moolre,” labelled as a Ghana Digital Society Service. She angrily questioned how fraudsters could get an OTP from MTN and demanded that the network improve its security systems.

“HOW IS IT THAT MTN FRAUDSTERS CAN SEND AN OTP!!!! LIKE WHAT!? HOW??? @MTNGhana IT’S OUTRAGEOUS!!! Y’ALL NEED BETTER SECURITY!! IT’S GETTING OUT OF HAND!” she tweeted.

Her post quickly drew attention from social media users, many of whom tried to explain the situation. Several pointed out that the transaction seemed to come from a Point of Sale (POS) device, which does not require MTN’s usual “Allow Cashout” security step. This means the system works differently from regular cash withdrawals, which might have confused Efya and her followers.

One user, @malik__szn, explained, “Efya, when you go to a restaurant and they use their machines to send you an OTP for MoMo payment, do you allow cashout?”

Another user, @Q_e_w, added, “POS devices can send direct prompts. It still requires your PIN before completing a payment or withdrawal. Just like in shops or fuel stations, they ask for your number and a prompt is sent—no need for ‘Allow Cashout’.”

Efya’s case highlights a growing concern about MoMo fraud in Ghana. Recently, a viral video showed a woman claiming GH¢11,000 was withdrawn from her account without her permission. The woman said she never shared her details but lost the money anyway. This incident sparked outrage online, with many demanding that MTN investigate and refund the victim.

With millions relying on MoMo daily, Efya’s warning is a wake-up call for MTN to tighten its security and protect users from scams before more people fall victim.