It usually starts with a text: “You have received GH₵850.00 from …”. A few minutes later, the phone rings. Someone, often sounding panicked, says they sent the money to you by mistake and begs you to send it back. Or a customer at your shop shows you a payment message and walks off with the goods.
In both cases, the money never existed. The text was typed to look like a real alert. This is one of the most common MoMo scams in Ghana, and MTN lists “Fake SMS” as its own category when you report fraud.
The one check that beats every fake alert
A text message is just words on a screen. Your balance comes from the network’s system.
Warning signs of a fake alert
- A call follows the text within minutes, asking you to send money back.
- The sender is a normal phone number rather than the network’s usual alert sender.
- Spelling mistakes, odd spacing or strange formatting compared with your other MoMo alerts.
- The balance in the text does not match your real balance.
- A buyer is in a hurry and shows you a message on their own phone instead of letting you check yours.
- Pressure and emotion: crying, threats, “my boss will sack me”.
For traders: how to take MoMo payments safely
- Only release goods after checking your own balance or your merchant app, never the customer’s screen.
- Use a merchant number or QR code where you can, so payments are easy to match.
- Train your staff on the same rule. Scammers target busy shops and new workers.
- For big amounts, wait until it shows. A genuine buyer will not mind.
If someone really did send you money by mistake
Honest mistakes do happen. If the money is genuinely in your balance, do not send it back yourself. Tell the sender to request a reversal through their network. On MTN, the sender starts the reversal in *170# and you get a prompt to approve it, so the money goes back through the system. See sent MoMo to the wrong number.
Report it
On MTN: dial *170#, choose 6 (My Wallet), then 4 (Report Fraud), and select Fake SMS. Or email mmfraudteam.GH@mtn.com with the number and a screenshot. More in how to report MoMo fraud.
A text can say anything. Your balance cannot lie.
This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.
Common questions
How can I tell if a MoMo alert is real?
Check your actual balance in *170# or the MoMo app. If the money is not in your balance, the alert was fake, whatever it looks like.
Someone says they sent me money by mistake. What should I do?
Check your real balance. If the money is there, tell them to request a reversal through their provider; the genuine system will ask you to approve it. Never send money back yourself.
Can a fake alert take money from my wallet?
The text itself cannot. The danger is that it tricks you into sending money or handing over goods.
Where do I report a fake MoMo SMS?
On MTN, dial *170#, choose My Wallet, then Report Fraud, and pick Fake SMS. You can also email mmfraudteam.GH@mtn.com.
