Short answer: many "cheap data" sellers on WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok take your MoMo and never send the bundle, or use the deal to get your MoMo PIN, a verification code or your details. Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA) recorded 63 victims who lost GH¢73,510 to data bundle scams between January and July 2025. The safe way is to buy bundles directly from your network's USSD menu or official app, and never share a PIN or code with a seller.
How the cheap data scam works
In August 2025 the CSA warned that fraudsters were posing as sellers of discounted data bundles, contacting people by SMS, WhatsApp and social media with very low prices. Some pretended to be staff of mobile networks. The usual versions:
- Pay and wait forever. You send GH¢20 or GH¢50 by MoMo for a "big bundle". Nothing comes. Then they ask for a "registration fee" or say "the system is slow, send another GH¢10". Then they block you.
- The PIN or code trick. They say they need to "load the bundle onto your line" and ask for a code that has just arrived by SMS, or ask you to dial a string that includes your MoMo PIN. The CSA said some victims were tricked into sharing MoMo PINs this way.
- The link trick. "Click here to claim 50GB free data for Independence Day." The page asks for your name, number and passwords, or asks you to install an app. The CSA warned that such links can collect personal data and install malware that can reach MoMo, bank and social media accounts.
- Fake giveaways. Fact-checkers such as GhanaFact and Dubawa have debunked WhatsApp messages claiming MTN or other networks were giving away free data. Networks announce real promos on their own websites, apps and verified social pages.
Is it possible to buy data cheaper from resellers?
Some people do resell bundles, and some deliver what they promise. The problem is that you cannot check a stranger's claim, you pay first, and you have no one to complain to if it goes wrong. Even when a seller delivers once, they may be building trust for a bigger order later.
Ask yourself: why would anyone sell a network's product far below the network's own price? If the bundle is real, it may have come from a hacked or stolen account. Your network can also take back bundles that were bought fraudulently.
How to buy data the official way
These are the channels the networks themselves publish. Menus change often, so check the network's own app or website for current bundles and prices.
| Network | Official ways to buy |
|---|---|
| MTN | Dial *138# and choose the bundle option, or use the MyMTN app (Buy/Send > Data). MTN's help centre says you can pay with MoMo or airtime. Customer care: 100. |
| Telecel | Telecel's bundle terms list the USSD codes *200# and *110# and the My Telecel Play app. You can also buy at Telecel shops. |
| AT | Use the AT app or buy at an AT shop. We could not confirm AT's current data code from AT itself, so check at.com.gh or ask AT customer care rather than trusting codes posted by strangers. |
In July 2025 the government announced that MTN, Telecel and AT would increase the value of their data bundles by 10 to 15%. If someone tells you "the networks reduced data, buy from me instead", check the network's own page.
What is SIM swap fraud and why do data scammers want your details?
SIM swap fraud is when a criminal gets your phone number moved to a new SIM card in their hands. Once they have your number, they receive your SMS codes and can try to reset your MoMo PIN, WhatsApp and bank apps. The Ministry of Communications' 2026 SIM registration FAQ names SIM swap fraud as one of the problems the new biometric SIM registration is meant to stop.
A "data seller" who asks for your Ghana Card number, date of birth, your MoMo name and a code that just arrived on your phone is collecting exactly what a SIM-swap fraudster needs. Warning signs that your SIM has been swapped:
- Your phone suddenly shows no network or "SOS only" while people around you on the same network have service.
- You get messages about a SIM change or MoMo PIN reset that you did not ask for.
- Friends say "you" asked them for money on WhatsApp.
If this happens, call your network from another phone straight away (MTN 100, or the Telecel or AT line) and ask them to block the line and the wallet.
Rules that keep you safe
- Never share your MoMo PIN with anyone, including people who say they are from MTN, Telecel or AT. Your network will not ask for it.
- Never read out or forward an SMS code to anyone. Codes are for you to type into an app you opened yourself.
- Do not dial codes a stranger sends you. Strings that include your PIN or a transfer can approve a payment.
- Do not click "free data" links. Check offers on the network's own app or website.
- Buy only through USSD, the official app, or a network shop.
- Turn on two-step verification on WhatsApp (Settings > Account > Two-step verification), as the CSA advises for all accounts.
If a seller sends you a number to pay, check it on TrustCheck first to see if others have reported it.
What to do if you already paid or shared a code
- Shared a PIN or code? Call your network immediately from another phone and ask them to block your MoMo wallet and stop any SIM change. Then change your MoMo PIN.
- Paid and got nothing? Call your network about the transaction and keep the MoMo reference, the seller's number and screenshots.
- Clicked a link or installed an app? Uninstall the app, change your passwords from a different device, and check your MoMo and bank activity.
- Report it to the Cyber Security Authority: call or text 292, WhatsApp 0501603111 or email report@csa.gov.gh. See how to report a scam in Ghana, and learn to spot fake MoMo alerts.
Before paying anyone, check a number, handle or website. If a data seller scammed you, report it so others are warned. Our guide Is this number a scam? explains more checks.
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