By 
By Ross Moyo
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has issued a security alert urging customers to secure their WhatsApp accounts as hackers and social engineering scams targeting mobile users spike across Zimbabwe.
“We urge customers to proactively secure their WhatsApp accounts by selecting the login and security settings on their WhatsApp profile, and enabling WhatsApp Passkeys as well as activating the two-step authentication (or verification) on their account,” Econet said.
“This ensures an added layer of security for their WhatsApp account, so that in the case of an attempt to compromise or hijack their account, the customer can recover it.”
The warning comes at a critical time. Zimbabwe has seen a wave of WhatsApp hijackings where scammers steal accounts and then ask contacts for money using messages like “Hi, I lost my wallet, please send ZiG” or use call forwarding tricks to intercept verification codes.
Over the past few days, Econet has been pushing safety guidelines across its digital platforms – Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the web – as well as via SMS.
Here is the full security checklist Econet shared for customers:
– Enable WhatsApp Passkeys and Two-Step Verification, including setting a six-digit PIN and recovery email address. WhatsApp is now upgrading this PIN to a full password – set it under Settings > Account > Password. At least 8 characters with a letter and a number.
– Never share verification codes or security PINs with anyone, regardless of who they claim to be. Not even Econet or WhatsApp will ever ask for them.
– Regularly check linked devices and remove any unfamiliar devices. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices and log out everything you don’t recognize.
– Keep WhatsApp updated with the latest software releases and security patches.
– Check your call forwarding settings; disable unauthorised call forwarding on your device. Dial ##002# to cancel all call forwarding if you suspect a hack.
– Do not dial any unverified codes starting with _ or sent to you via SMS or WhatsApp.
– Do not scan unknown QR codes. Avoid scanning WhatsApp pairing codes on third-party websites or unknown displays. Always logout from WhatsApp Web when done.
– Exercise caution when receiving messages that create a sense of urgency or request confidential information.
– Avoid clicking on suspicious links, even if they appear to come from known contacts. Scammers clone accounts.
– Verify requests for money or account information by calling the person directly, before taking any action.
Econet says the precautions are simple but effective. Most hacks in Zimbabwe happen because victims share their 6-digit registration code or scan a fake WhatsApp Web QR code that gives attackers full access.
If your account has already been hijacked, re-register immediately with your number to kick the hacker out, then enable Passkeys and the new Password feature.
For Passkeys, go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Passkeys. This lets you log back in using your fingerprint or Face ID instead of SMS, making SIM-swap attacks useless.
Stay safe. Lock your WhatsApp today before scammers lock you out.
Comments