The One-time-Pin (OTP) scam is a new phishing method that is being exacerbated by scammers, of which is specifically targeting MTN, Vodacom and CellC customers. As an authentication and security feature, an OTP is generated as a validation measure when transacting Cell APP or My Customer self-services website.
In this current scam, a criminal posing as a Provider employee from the Fraud department do the following:
• Sends targeted victim an OTP under the pretext that they are blocking the processing of a SIM swap request that is being made on their number without their knowledge or authorization.
However, this is false.
• Then, they log into the Cell app using the victim’s cell phone number which then generates an OTP - this is a genuine PIN coming from Cell Provider.
• After speaking to the victim and convincing them of the sim swap, they then ask for the genuine OTP.
• The scammers use the genuine OTP to access the victim’s account and transfer points, airtime or data to themselves.
An OTP message is confidential and should not under any circumstance be shared with anyone.
Cell Provider Fraud department will not contact you to block the processing of a SIM swap request.
The client will be held liable for all loses as the Cell Provider has sent out numerous communications advising the above.
