By Advent Shoko
A Zimbabwean woman has publicly accused Strive Masiyiwa’s mobile money platform, EcoCash, of failing to help her recover money she says she lost to an online scam, prompting renewed discussion about the role digital payment platforms can play when fraudsters use their services.
The woman, who asked ZiGoats to identify her only as Anne Smith, said she lost her entire life savings after responding to what appeared to be a legitimate work-from-home opportunity.
In a post shared with ZiGoats, Bramsen appealed directly to Masiyiwa, writing:
“I was conned and scammed. Strive your Rakuten / Econet company will not give my money back. My entire life savings.”
Her post has attracted sympathy from other social media users while also raising questions about whether EcoCash can assist victims after funds have been transferred to scammers. She told Zigoats.com that she had lost $21711.49.
The Message That Lured Her
Bramsen also shared what she said was the message that convinced her to join the scheme.
The advert claimed people in Zimbabwe and across Southern Africa could earn between US$250 and US$500 a month by signing up for two “authentic and genuine” online jobs. It said applicants only needed a smartphone, reliable internet access and an EcoCash account where their earnings would supposedly be paid.
According to the message, one role involved working for Media Brands Limited, where participants would watch videos to increase views and likes in return for a fixed commission.
The second opportunity claimed to be linked to Rakuten, with workers allegedly buying products on Alibaba and eBay on the company’s behalf to earn commissions.
The advert further promised a four-day internship before applicants became permanent workers, saying earnings could be withdrawn directly into an EcoCash account.
It also emphasised that no academic qualifications were required and urged interested people to contact an administrator to get started.
Such adverts have become increasingly common on social media and messaging platforms, often promising easy money, flexible working hours and high returns to lure unsuspecting victims.
Was EcoCash Part Of The Scam?
While Bramsen blamed EcoCash for not helping her recover the money, there is no evidence that EcoCash itself operated or endorsed the alleged scam.
Instead, the fraudsters appear to have used EcoCash simply as the payment channel through which money was sent and received.
Like banks and other mobile money services, EcoCash provides a platform for transferring and storing money electronically. It generally does not control how customers choose to use their funds or who they send them to.
This distinction is important because payment platforms can become tools used by criminals without being involved in the underlying fraud.
Can EcoCash Help Recover The Money?
Whether EcoCash can help depends on several factors, including how quickly the fraud is reported and whether the money is still in the recipient’s account.
If reported promptly, a payment provider may be able to freeze suspicious accounts before funds are withdrawn. However, once money has been moved through multiple accounts or cashed out, recovering it becomes significantly more difficult.
Transaction records held by EcoCash may also assist police investigations by showing where money was sent, but recovering stolen funds is not always possible.
Victims should report suspected fraud immediately to EcoCash, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and any other relevant authorities.
Why These Scams Are Difficult To Trace
Online scammers increasingly use sophisticated methods to hide their identities.
Some register accounts using fake or stolen identities, while others rely on cloned SIM cards, compromised devices or networks of “money mules” to move stolen funds rapidly between multiple accounts.
These tactics can make tracing the people behind a scam extremely challenging, even when transaction records exist.
Cybersecurity experts therefore advise people to be sceptical of unsolicited online job offers promising unusually high earnings for minimal effort or requiring upfront payments.
EcoCash Has Also Faced Cyber Threats
EcoCash itself has previously disclosed that it was targeted in a cyber incident, highlighting the growing threat facing digital financial platforms.
However, there is no indication that Bramsen’s alleged losses resulted from a breach of EcoCash’s systems. Based on the information she shared, the alleged fraud appears to have relied on social engineering, persuading victims to voluntarily transfer money after being promised lucrative online jobs.
As online scams continue to evolve, Bramsen’s experience serves as a reminder that while mobile money platforms have transformed financial transactions in Zimbabwe, users should independently verify any online job or investment opportunity before sending money. Once funds reach fraudsters, recovering them can be extremely difficult, making vigilance the strongest line of defence.
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