ZedWallet Fraud Awareness

ZedWallet Fraud Awareness

Protect yourself from fraud and scams. Learn how to recognize and avoid common threats to your mobile money account.

Common Scams Targeting Mobile Money Users

Scammers are constantly developing new ways to trick mobile money users. Stay informed about the most common scams to protect your funds.

Fake Prize/Giveaway Scams

You receive a message claiming you've won a prize or lottery, but you need to send money to claim it.

Red Flag: Never pay money to receive a prize.

Impersonation Scams

Someone pretends to be a family member, friend, or ZedWallet agent asking for urgent financial help.

Red Flag: Always verify the identity of the person contacting you.

Fake Job Offers

You're offered a job that requires you to pay an upfront fee for "training" or "equipment."

Red Flag: Legitimate employers don't ask for payment before hiring.

Overpayment Scams

Someone sends you more money than agreed and asks you to refund the difference.

Red Flag: The original payment will likely be reversed, leaving you at a loss.

⚠️ Important Warning

ZedWallet will NEVER call or message you asking for your PIN, password, or secret word. Anyone requesting this information is a scammer.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing is when scammers try to trick you into revealing personal information like your PIN, password, or account details.

Common Phishing Methods

  • Fake SMS/Text Messages: Messages that appear to be from ZedWallet asking you to confirm your account details
  • Fake Websites: Websites that look like the official ZedWallet site but are designed to steal your information
  • Fake Customer Service Numbers: Scammers post fake customer service numbers online
  • Email Scams: Emails claiming to be from ZedWallet with links to fake login pages

How to Protect Yourself

  • Only use the official ZedWallet USSD code *115#
  • Never click on links in suspicious messages
  • Always verify customer service numbers through official channels
  • ZedWallet will never ask for your PIN via SMS, email, or phone call
  • Bookmark the official ZedWallet website

Legitimate ZedWallet Channels

USSD: *115# (This is the ONLY USSD code for ZedWallet)

Official Website: www.zedmobile.co.zm

Customer Care: 111 (from a ZedMobile line)

Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering is when scammers manipulate people into revealing confidential information or performing actions that compromise security.

Common Social Engineering Tactics

  • Urgency: Creating a false sense of emergency to make you act without thinking
  • Authority: Pretending to be someone in a position of authority (police, bank official, etc.)
  • Familiarity: Pretending to know you or your family members
  • Sympathy: Telling a sad story to get you to send money
  • Reciprocity: Doing a small favor for you then asking for a larger one in return

Real-Life Example

"Hello, this is Officer Banda from Zambia Police. We've detected suspicious activity on your ZedWallet account. To protect your funds, we need you to transfer your money to this secure account: 097XXXXXXX. Do this immediately or your account will be frozen."

THIS IS A SCAM! Law enforcement will never ask you to transfer money to "secure" accounts.

Protection Strategies

  • Always verify unusual requests through official channels
  • Never share your PIN, password, or secret word with anyone
  • Be suspicious of anyone creating a sense of urgency
  • If something feels wrong, it probably is - trust your instincts
  • Educate family members, especially elderly relatives, about these scams

ZedWallet Safety Tips

Follow these essential safety tips to protect your ZedWallet account and funds from fraudsters.

PIN & Password Security

  • Never share your PIN with anyone, including family members
  • Don't use obvious PINs like 1234, 0000, or your birth year
  • Change your PIN regularly
  • Memorize your PIN - don't write it down or store it on your phone
  • Use a different PIN for different services

Transaction Safety

  • Always double-check recipient details before sending money
  • Verify transactions with the recipient before completing
  • Keep your transaction receipts until you confirm the payment was received
  • Be cautious when sending money to people you don't know
  • Set transaction limits that match your usage patterns

Device & Network Security

  • Use a screen lock on your mobile device
  • Keep your phone's operating system updated
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions
  • Install reputable security software on your smartphone
  • Be cautious about which apps you install and what permissions you grant

Regular Security Checklist

  • ✅ Review your transaction history regularly
  • ✅ Update your PIN every 3-6 months
  • ✅ Ensure your registered phone number is current
  • ✅ Verify your secret word is memorable but not easily guessable
  • ✅ Keep your phone number and SIM card secure

How to Report Fraud

If you suspect you've been targeted by fraud or have fallen victim to a scam, take immediate action to protect your account and report the incident.

Immediate Actions if You've Been Scammed

  1. Change your PIN immediately using *115# → My Account → Manage PIN
  2. Contact ZedWallet Customer Care at 111 to report the incident
  3. Visit the nearest ZedWallet agent with your ID for assistance
  4. Report to authorities if significant funds were lost
  5. Monitor your account for any further suspicious activity

Information to Gather When Reporting

  • Date and time of the incident
  • Phone number(s) used by the scammer
  • Transaction IDs or reference numbers
  • Screenshots of suspicious messages
  • Details of what was promised or requested
  • Amount of money lost (if any)

What to Expect When Reporting

When you report fraud to ZedWallet, our team will:

  • Secure your account to prevent further unauthorized access
  • Investigate the reported incident
  • Provide guidance on next steps
  • If possible, attempt to recover funds (though this is not always possible)
  • Share information to help protect other customers

Emergency Contacts

Keep these important contact numbers handy in case you need to report fraud or suspicious activity.

ZedWallet Official Contacts

Customer Care: 111 (from a ZedMobile line)

USSD Code: *115#

Website: www.zedmobile.co.zm

Email: customercare@zedmobile.co.zm

Law Enforcement Contacts

Zambia Police Service: 991 (Emergency)

Financial Intelligence Centre: +260 211 368 200

Bank of Zambia: +260 211 391 200

Additional Resources

  • Visit any ZedWallet agent location for in-person assistance
  • Follow ZedWallet on social media for security updates
  • Check the official website for the latest fraud alerts
  • Subscribe to ZedWallet security notifications

Stay Informed

Fraud techniques evolve constantly. Stay updated on the latest scams by:

  • Reading security notices from ZedWallet
  • Following financial news in Zambia
  • Participating in community awareness programs
  • Sharing information with friends and family