Most MoMo fraud is not hacking. It is someone persuading you to hand over your PIN or a code, or getting hold of your phone. The protections below take about ten minutes to set up and close the most common doors.

Why this matters now

INTERPOL’s African Cyberthreat Assessment 2026 estimated that Ghanaians lost about US$1.3 million to mobile money fraud in the first quarter of 2026 alone. The main tactics it named were phishing, SIM swaps, fake promotions and social engineering: tricking people, not breaking into systems. The Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana has criticised authorities and networks over the rise. The habits below defend against exactly those tactics.

1. Choose a PIN nobody can guess

MTN’s own guidance for new PINs in the MoMo app: do not use your date of birth, the last four digits of your phone number, repeated or consecutive numbers like 1111 or 1234, or any of your last four PINs. Then keep it to yourself. MTN says never to disclose your PIN to anyone.

Change it now if it is weak, or if anyone has ever seen it: how to change or reset your MTN MoMo PIN.

2. Add a recovery number

A recovery number lets you reset a forgotten PIN yourself instead of queuing at a service centre. MTN’s steps:

  1. Dial *170# and choose 6 (My Wallet).
  2. Choose 6 (Change & Reset PIN), then 2 (Reset PIN).
  3. Choose 1 (Self PIN reset), then 1 (Add recovery number).
  4. Enter the recovery number and confirm with your current PIN.

Pick a number you control or a person you trust completely.

MTN updates the *170# menu from time to time. If an option number on your phone differs from the one here, follow the option names instead.

3. Use the MoMo app with fingerprint login

The MoMo app supports fingerprint login once you have entered your PIN to enable it. That means fewer chances for someone to watch you type your PIN at a busy agent point. MTN also says the app syncs with your contacts to help prevent wrong transfers.

4. Never let anyone else transact on your phone

MTN’s safety advice includes: never allow anyone else to perform MoMo transactions using your phone. That includes friendly agents and helpful strangers.

5. Know who will never call you

  • MTN staff will never ask for your PIN or a code you received by SMS.
  • Do not engage with calls from unknown or suspicious numbers about your wallet, MTN says.
  • MTN says agents and retailers cannot view, create or reset your PIN. Anyone offering to “reset” it for you is not legitimate.
  • If you are worried, hang up and call MTN yourself on 100 or 0244300000.

6. Protect your SIM and phone too

The golden rule: nobody genuine will ever ask for your MoMo PIN. Not MTN staff, not an agent, not a “promo officer”. MTN’s official customer service number is 0244300000, and its call centre is 100.

If something goes wrong anyway, see how to report MoMo fraud.

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

Can an MTN agent reset my MoMo PIN?

No. MTN says retailers and agents cannot view, create or reset your PIN, and only the registered wallet owner can complete a PIN reset. Anyone offering to do it for you is a red flag.

What is a MoMo recovery number?

A second number that receives a temporary password if you forget your PIN, so you can reset it yourself.

Is MTN’s customer service number 0244300000?

Yes, MTN’s help centre gives 0244300000 as its official customer service number. The call centre is 100.

What should I do if I shared my PIN?

Change it immediately through *170# (My Wallet, Change & Reset PIN) and report the incident to MTN.

Sources