Gweru, Zimbabwe — Recently, a video and many messages have been shared online asking the same question: “Was EcoCash hacked?” A lot of people in Zimbabwe are worried because some users say they’ve lost money or can’t access their wallets. If you use EcoCash, this is something you should understand.
Short Answer:
No—EcoCash says it was not hacked.
But people are losing money, and scammers and fraudsters are taking advantage of the situation.
What People Are Saying Online
Many Zimbabweans have reported strange and worrying experiences with EcoCash recently:
- People sharing screenshots of money leaving their wallets unexpectedly.
- Users stuck in app login loops or unable to complete transactions.
- Complaints about poor customer service and long wait times at Econet shops.
Some people even think the system was hacked because the problems seem widespread — especially after a recent service update caused app errors for many users.
Official Response: EcoCash Denies Being Hacked
Econet / EcoCash has publicly stated that the platform itself was not hacked — but they also warn strongly that scammers are targeting users and taking advantage of people who share private login information.
Here’s how fraud is happening:
Scammers set up fake websites or promotions using EcoCash branding and offer tempting deals — cheap data, big loan offers, big prizes — to lure people in. Once someone enters their mobile number, PIN and OTP on these fake sites, fraudsters can take full control of the wallet.
Once the scammer has that access, they can transfer money out of the wallet and even cash it out quickly.
Police Warn Against Mobile Money Scams
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have also warned the public to be on alert. They say criminals are using fake offers on social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp to trick people into giving away their EcoCash PIN and One-Time Password (OTP) — and then stealing money from their accounts.
Real Examples of What’s Happened
- In some cases, relatives have taken advantage of system glitches to steal airtime and money.
- People have lost money through fake “investment” offers that require payment with EcoCash.
- Others have experienced genuine glitches where bundles or airtime disappear without delivering service.
None of these prove a central hack of EcoCash servers — but they do show why your money can disappear if you’re not careful.
What You Should Do
Here’s how to protect yourself and your money:
✔️ Never share your EcoCash PIN or OTP with anyone — even if the message seems official.
✔️ Avoid clicking on strange links or offers that promise big deals or easy money.
✔️ *Use 151# and the official app only — be cautious with links you receive on WhatsApp or Facebook.
✔️ Cash out money you don’t need immediately — if problems persist, don’t leave large balances sitting in your wallet.
✔️ Report suspicious activity to EcoCash support or the police.
Why This Matters to You
Mobile money services like EcoCash are vital in Zimbabwe — used for paying bills, sending money to family, buying food and keeping businesses running. When something goes wrong, it affects real people’s lives and wallets.
But confusion spreads fast, especially online. Misleading videos and posts about hacks can scare people — and scammers only benefit when trust breaks down.
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At Gweru Marketplace, we’ll keep you informed with clear, simple, trustworthy information about issues that affect your money and daily life — without the rumours and noise.
~ VYINESoft