MTN Warns Subscribers on Fraudulent Text Messages

Nigeria’s leading telecommunications operator, MTN has alerted its numerous customers to a rash of fraudulent text messages being sent by individuals wishing to cash in on its ongoing MTN Treasure Hunt promo.
A statement from the company said some persons yet to be identified are currently sending text messages to subscribers, announcing they have won some money and requesting them to call a number in order to redeem their winnings.
“Our esteemed subscribers should please ignore such text messages telling them they have won money or any other promo prize. They are neither from MTN nor any of our staff members. They are from individuals who are intent on defrauding innocent people,” said Mr. Bola Akingbade, chief marketing officer, MTN.
It would be recalled that some individuals have been sending out text messages to some MTN subscribers telling them they had won some prizes in the ongoing promo and requesting them to go online to fill in their personal and bank details, including ATM card numbers and PIN. For this purpose, the con-artists set up fraudulent websites, such as www.mtnwinning.com, which has since been shut down.
“When a subscriber wins a prize in any of our promos, we will call them and direct them to the MTN office where they can redeem their prize. MTN staff will not, under any circumstances, request for credit or ask subscribers to fill in their bank details, ATM card number and PIN in order to claim a promo prize or winning,” said Mr. Akingbade.
He said the MTN’s authentic website from where subscribers can obtain genuine information is www.mtnonline.com.
He also added that the latest development had been brought to the attention of security operatives who are currently investigating it.