SIM-swap attacks are the most common way MoMo wallets get drained in Ghana. They're also the easiest to prevent — once you know what's happening.

The attack, step by step

Here's the exact playbook. Recognising it is half the defence.

  1. Profiling. The attacker gathers basic personal info — name, DOB, last 4 of Ghana Card — usually from a leaked database, a social-engineering call, or someone who knows you.
  2. Walk-in. They visit an MTN service centre (or call customer support) claiming to be you, saying their phone was stolen and they need a replacement SIM for the same number.
  3. The hand-off. The agent validates with the info from step 1, hands over a new SIM. Your phone instantly loses signal.
  4. Drain. The attacker pops the new SIM into a phone, requests a MoMo PIN reset (the OTP goes to the SIM they now control), enters the new PIN, and empties the wallet — often in under 5 minutes.

Detection: you'll know within 60 seconds

The instant your SIM is swapped, your phone shows "No service" or "SIM not provisioned". Don't wait. Don't assume it's a network glitch. Especially if you got an unexpected "your SIM has been deactivated" text just before, or your phone has been ringing all day with calls from numbers you don't recognise (a common pre-attack distraction tactic).

The 90-second defence

  1. From a friend's phone, dial *170*5# — MTN's emergency MoMo freeze. Costs nothing, locks all outbound transfers, can be reversed at a branch with your ID. 30 seconds.
  2. Call MTN support (100) — report the swap, force-reverse it. Have your Ghana Card number ready. 60 seconds.
  3. File a police report. Take screenshots of any debit SMSes that arrived before your line died. This is the evidence the insurance underwriter will look for.
  4. File the insurance claim via the app, WhatsApp, or *123#. Reference the police report.

The setting that prevents this entirely

MTN offers a SIM-swap lock — an additional PIN or in-person-only requirement before any SIM swap can happen on your line. To enable it, visit any MTN service centre with your Ghana Card and ask for "SIM swap lock". Takes 5 minutes, free, almost nobody uses it. It defeats this entire attack class.

You can do the lock today, on any active number, and it costs you nothing. There is no good reason not to.