Could MTN be behind the many 'MTN' scams?

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Controversial as this may sound, I know millions of other MTN subscribers will agree with me that there is widespread belief that MTN is strongly a brain behind the numerous scam messages we receive on our MTN lines congratulating us for winning either an on-going bonanza or requesting us to send an sms to another MTN subscriber to get a free credit top-up.

It has equally become evident that most of these activities are carried out by our Nigerian compatriots. However, one always wonders if MTN is not a party to this sinister act themselves as I am reliably aware NO STAFF IS PERMITTED TO BARR OR OTHERWISE BLOCK A SCAM OPERATOR'S NUMBER.

It is very interesting that MTN will always want to distance itself from such acts of scam by posting notices on their website warning customers of scams without giving details and failing to use the radio and television to disseminate this vital information to the general public when they well know not even 2% of their total subscribers visit their website.

However, if it were a new product line they have introduced, they quickly find wisdom in making all the noise to dive the new service. Come to think of it, MTN in the end gets to benefit so well from these fraudulent activities in that when the fraudsters ask their victims (MTN subscribers) to buy top up credit, in the end it adds to revenue generated by MTN. Management, am sure will be doing all the calculations behind close doors and smile at the cowardice of Ghanaians in general. I am of the strong view that MTN is responsible for providing numbers of their subscribers to the fraudsters to operate with, or if not then it is some individuals within the IT department who have dedicated their professionalism towards negative unethical practice at work and need to be flushed out.

Further, MTN wants the public to believe that without their assistance these fraudsters are able to constantly generate the numbers of their victims and send them such “congratulatory” messages without ever even making the mistake of sending the message to one subscriber twice; HOW IMPOSSIBLE? There is definitely somebody or a group of people within the MTN who provide such details to the fraudsters.

It's just about time all subscribers of MTN come together to embark on a simple one day demonstration to oppose this act of abusing incumbency of been the market leaders. If all subscribers decide not to make a single call for just a day, I think this will call them to address the numerous challenges.

The network itself is bedeviled regular challenges and customers are constantly been deducted inaccurately for airtime talks while nobody seems to be blowing the trumpet over this.

Messrs Kwesi Pratt & Malik Kweku Baako, I think your silence over this is too loud and I don't want to believe you both do not know. Leave the politicians for a week and take on the telecommunication industry.


Credit: Eric Kevin Elikem Kwame (erickevink@yahoo.com)