A website that purports to be an MTN Nigeria affiliate has been uncovered, promising MTN subscribers they will win N50,000 (US$320) worth of airtime if they recharge N3,000 (US$20) using the portal.
According to Techloy.com, the site, called MTNPays, has been running fraudulent business schemes that start by sending an MTN subscriber an SMS text message alerting them they have won N50,000 (US$320), after which they are asked to visit the site to redeem the prize.
Users are even furnished with a valid PIN number to access the site and, once they login, they receive a strict warning that their lines will be blocked if they do not follow the instructions correctly.
“To Activate Your Line For 50,000 RECHARGE. All you have to do Is. Go out there Buy our AIRTIME What Of {1,500 X 2 = 3,000} Once You Buy It Type In Your MTN Number And You Type In The Cards Pin’s Below It And Click On {RECHARGE NOW} And Wait For The Network To Set It Up For You,” reads instructions on the website upon successful log in.
“Once It Is Done You Will Get An SMS On Your Phone Telling You That Your Line Is Activated And 53,000 MTN RECHARGE CARD WILL BE Credited Automatically.”
MTN is yet to issue a statement warning its subscribers against the scam. HumanIPO reported recently that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had banned all promotions and lotteries by telecommunications operators.
