MTN Ghana has cautioned the public against paying more than the approved price of GHC10 for its SIM cards, warning that customers should resist illegal charges by unscrupulous vendors. The clarification was issued during a stakeholder media forum held at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi, where the company also addressed concerns surrounding Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud and customer safety.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager for MTN’s Northern Business District, Nii Adotey Mingle, stressed that no vendor has the authority to sell an MTN SIM card for more than the regulated price. He urged consumers to demand accountability from vendors and to report offenders to the police. “Do not aid them to do the wrong thing only to come to report. Don’t pay. Challenge the person and take steps to report them to the police,” he said.
On the issue of MoMo fraud, Mr. Mingle reassured customers that MTN’s systems remain secure and that fraud only occurs when individuals disclose sensitive information to criminals. He explained that fraudsters are able to succeed only when customers willingly give away their MoMo PINs or One-Time Passwords (OTPs). “Nobody can defraud you without releasing your PIN number or code,” he emphasized, urging subscribers to treat their MoMo details with the same confidentiality as banking information.
He further reminded customers that MTN will never call them to request PINs or OTPs, describing such calls as fraudulent attempts to trick unsuspecting users. He advised customers to hang up and report suspicious calls immediately to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
MTN has consistently argued that the majority of MoMo fraud cases stem from customer negligence rather than breaches of its secure systems. Past investigations have confirmed that fraudsters use social engineering tactics to convince victims to reveal sensitive information, often by pretending to be MTN staff or offering fake promotions.
The company noted that while continuous public education campaigns and the mandatory Ghana Card SIM registration exercise have reduced fraudulent activity, vigilance remains crucial. It assured the public of its ongoing collaboration with regulators, law enforcement agencies, and the media to clamp down on fraudulent activities and protect customers.
MTN reiterated its commitment to transparency, customer safety, and regulatory compliance, stressing that SIM cards cost exactly GHC10 across all outlets and that any vendor charging more is breaking the law. The company urged customers to play their part in safeguarding both their digital wallets and their rights as consumers.
