Potraz Urges Zimbabweans to Protect Personal Data from Online Fraud

Mobile money transaction being conducted on a smartphone in Zimbabwe

HARARE – Cybercrime and mobile money fraud are emerging as growing threats in Zimbabwe’s rapidly expanding digital economy, prompting regulators to intensify public awareness campaigns and urge citizens to safeguard their personal information.

Officials from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe say many Zimbabweans continue to fall victim to scams because they unknowingly share sensitive personal data with fraudsters. Speaking at a consumer awareness workshop in Mudzi district, Potraz deputy director for economics, tariffs, and competition, Vengesai Magadzire, warned that negligence in protecting personal information has become one of the biggest drivers of cybercrime.

“Some people take for granted the personal information they share,” Magadzire said. “Even when such information is required, you have a right to question why it is needed. Some people leave copies of their national identity cards with those making printouts. This is very dangerous because someone can use your ID to create mobile money accounts and scam others.”

Zimbabwe’s digital payments ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years, with mobile money platforms and online banking becoming central to everyday transactions.

However, the expansion of digital financial services has also created opportunities for fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting consumers. Authorities say scams often involve criminals using stolen identity documents to register mobile money accounts or conduct fraudulent transactions. Public education campaigns are therefore becoming a key part of the country’s response. The Mudzi workshop, held at Makaha Business Centre, brought together several regulatory bodies, including the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, the Consumer Protection Commission, and the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe.

Officials said rural communities are particularly vulnerable because many people are unfamiliar with digital security risks. Zimbabwe has recently been nominated by the Southern African Development Community as a regional leader in data protection capacity building, reflecting growing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity in the region.

Local leaders say continued public education is critical.

Ward 14 councillor Charles Munyonga urged authorities to expand awareness campaigns targeting rural communities.

“The government should continue educating villagers, especially on how to protect their personal information,” he said.

Experts warn that cybercrime could undermine confidence in digital financial systems if consumers remain vulnerable to scams.

Meanwhile, officials from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe are also encouraging citizens to familiarise themselves with the security features of the country’s new Zimbabwe Gold notes to prevent counterfeiting. Christopher Kamba said wider public awareness would be crucial as the new currency gradually enters circulation.

As Zimbabwe’s economy becomes increasingly digitised, regulators say protecting personal data and improving financial literacy will be essential to ensure that technological progress does not come at the cost of consumer security.

Potraz cybercrime warning; digital scams Zimbabwe; data protection