Excerpt: Econet Wireless has renewed its warning to mobile users about WhatsApp account hijacking and social engineering scams, and shared steps customers can take to protect themselves.
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has again called on its customers to tighten security on their WhatsApp accounts, warning that hackers and scammers are still targeting mobile users.
An Econet spokesperson, quoted by CITE, encouraged users to open the login and security settings on their WhatsApp profile, turn on WhatsApp Passkeys and switch on two-step verification. The operator says these extra layers make it much harder for criminals to take over an account. If an account is compromised, they also make it possible to get it back.
The warning is the latest in a series of security reminders Econet has shared with customers across several channels in recent months.
How to protect your WhatsApp account
Lock it down
- Turn on Passkeys and two-step verification, with a six-digit PIN and a recovery email address.
- Keep WhatsApp updated so you have the latest security fixes.
- Check your linked devices regularly and remove any you don’t recognise. Log out of WhatsApp Web sessions you’re not using.
Guard your codes
- Never share a verification code or PIN with anyone, whoever they say they are.
- Don’t dial unfamiliar codes that begin with * or **. Check that call forwarding hasn’t been switched on without your knowledge.
- Don’t scan unknown QR codes, or WhatsApp pairing codes shown on third-party websites or unfamiliar screens.
Watch for red flags
- Be cautious with messages that push you to act urgently or ask for confidential information.
- Don’t click suspicious links, even if they seem to come from someone you know.
- If someone asks for money, account details or a code, call them directly to confirm before you do anything.
Why it matters
Many account takeovers start with one small mistake. A victim might share a one-time code, or dial a code that quietly forwards their calls so the scammer receives WhatsApp’s verification call. Once inside, criminals often pose as the account owner and ask friends and family for money. A few minutes spent on these settings can prevent that.
Source: Lesley Moyo, “Econet flags WhatsApp scams targeting mobile users,” CITE (Centre for Innovation and Technology), 13 October 2026. https://cite.org.zw/econet-flags-whatsapp-scams-targeting-mobile-users/