Econet Warns Zimbabweans About WhatsApp Scams As Hackers Target Mobile Users
Econet Wireless has urged Zimbabweans to strengthen their WhatsApp security as account hijacking and social engineering scams continue to pose a risk to mobile users. The telecommunications company has advised customers to activate passkeys and two-step verification to make it harder for criminals to take control of their accounts.
The warning was issued on Monday, 12 October 2026, as Econet renewed its call for customers to take precautions against attempts to compromise their accounts.
Econet Urges WhatsApp Users To Activate Security Features
Econet has encouraged customers to review their WhatsApp security settings and activate available protection features.
An Econet spokesperson said:
“We once again urge customers to protect themselves by proactively securing 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.”
The company said these measures add another layer of protection and can reduce the risk of account hijacking. They can also help users recover their accounts if they are compromised.
Econet recommends enabling passkeys and two-step verification, setting a six-digit PIN and adding a recovery email address.
WhatsApp Scams: Security Mistakes Users Should Avoid
The telecommunications company has also warned customers against sharing verification codes or security PINs, even with people claiming to represent legitimate organisations.
Users should regularly review linked devices, remove unfamiliar connections and keep WhatsApp updated. They should also check their call-forwarding settings and disable any unauthorised forwarding.
Econet further cautioned against dialling unverified codes beginning with * or **, scanning unknown QR codes and using WhatsApp pairing codes displayed on unfamiliar websites or devices.
Customers should be wary of urgent messages requesting confidential information or money. Suspicious links should be avoided, even when they appear to come from known contacts.
What WhatsApp Users Should Do Next
Econet’s advice is for customers to verify unusual requests directly with the person involved before taking action. Calling the contact independently can help establish whether a request for money or account details is genuine.
The company continues to encourage users to take preventive steps rather than wait until their accounts have been compromised.
The post Econet Issues WhatsApp Security Warning To Zimbabweans Amid Account Hijacking Risks appeared first on iHarare News.
