Top 10 Scams in Zambia

April 17, 2025

Here are the top 10 common scams in Zambia, based on reported trends and public advisories in recent years:

1. Mobile Money Scams

  • How it works: Scammers impersonate mobile money agents or users. They send fake messages about mistaken transactions and request reversals.

  • Targets: MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money users.

2. Job Offer Scams

  • How it works: Fraudsters post fake job ads online or via SMS/WhatsApp, then demand "processing" or "registration" fees.

  • Targets: Job seekers, especially fresh graduates Top 10 Scams in Zambia

3. Fake Investment Schemes

  • How it works: Promises of high returns from forex trading, cryptocurrency, or fake "business" investments. Often Ponzi or pyramid schemes.

  • Examples: Fake forex trading platforms, unregistered "savings and investment" groups.

4. Online Shopping Scams

  • How it works: Sellers post products on Facebook or WhatsApp groups, collect payment, then disappear.

  • Targets: Buyers looking for phones, clothes, electronics at "discounts."

5. Fake NGO/Charity Scams

  • How it works: Fraudulent individuals pose as NGO workers collecting donations or offering fake aid programs.

  • Tactics: Fake registration links, donation drives, or “surveys” requiring mobile money transfers.

6. Sim Swap Fraud

  • How it works: Scammers convince mobile providers to switch your number to their SIM, then access your mobile money or bank account.

  • Targets: Mobile money and bank-linked numbers.

7. Lottery & Prize Scams

  • How it works: Victims get SMS or WhatsApp messages claiming they've won money, but must pay a "claim fee" first.

  • Clues: You didn’t enter any competition; requests for personal or bank details.

8. Romance & Dating Scams

  • How it works: Scammers pretend to be romantic interests online, build trust, then start asking for money for fake emergencies.

  • Common on: Facebook, dating sites, WhatsApp.

9. Rental Property Scams

  • How it works: Fake landlords or agents advertise houses or apartments, collect viewing or deposit fees, then vanish.

  • Common in: Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe.

10. Government Job or Contract Scams

  • How it works: Scammers claim to be connected to government departments and offer “guaranteed” jobs or tenders for a bribe.

  • Often involves: Fake documents or meetings.

11. Money multiplication scam

 How it Typically Works:

  1. You’re approached via WhatsApp, Facebook, or in person.

  2. They claim they can “double your money” or “turn K1,000 into K10,000.”

  3. You’re asked to send a small amount first to “test the powers.”

  4. If you fall for it, they may actually send a small return to gain your trust.

  5. Once you send a bigger amount — 💨 they vanish.


Tips to avoid common scams in Zambia

 here are practical tips to avoid these common scams in Zambia, tailored to each one:

1. Mobile Money Scams

Avoidance Tips:

  • Never reverse a transaction unless confirmed directly with your mobile money provider.

  • Always double-check the sender’s number and message authenticity.

  • If unsure, call customer care before doing anything.

2. Job Offer Scams

Avoidance Tips:

  • Be suspicious of jobs that require upfront payments.

  • Verify job postings on the official company website or with PACRA-registered recruiters.

  • Trust your gut — if it feels too easy or fast, it probably is.

3. Fake Investment Schemes

Avoidance Tips:

  • Avoid schemes that promise unrealistic returns (e.g., “double your money in 7 days”).

  • Check if the company is registered with SEC Zambia or BOZ.

  • Don’t invest because others are doing it — scams often use peer pressure tactics.

4. Online Shopping Scams

Avoidance Tips:

  • Use trusted platforms or insist on cash on delivery (COD).

  • Avoid deals that seem too cheap — they usually are.

  • If possible, meet the seller in person at a public location.

5. Fake NGO/Charity Scams

Avoidance Tips:

  • Research the NGO or charity online — check Zambia NGO registration portals.

  • Never send money through mobile money to individuals claiming to represent organizations.

  • Be cautious of links that request personal info in exchange for aid.

6. Sim Swap Fraud

Avoidance Tips:

  • Don’t share personal info like your NRC or account numbers over the phone.

  • Enable PINs/passwords for SIM card and mobile money access.

  • Register for bank/mobile alerts to detect suspicious activity early.

7. Lottery & Prize Scams

Avoidance Tips:

  • Ignore messages claiming you won something you never entered.

  • Don’t pay any “release” or “delivery” fees.

  • Official promotions will not contact you only via SMS — they usually call or use official pages.

8. Romance & Dating Scams

Avoidance Tips:

  • Be wary of people you meet online asking for money or financial help.

  • Reverse-image search their profile pictures to check for fake identities.

  • Never send nudes or compromising content — it can be used for blackmail.

9. Rental Property Scams

Avoidance Tips:

  • Always ask to see the property in person before paying any money.

  • Confirm agent identity and ask for PACRA registration if they claim to be professional agents.

  • Use known real estate companies when possible.

10. Government Job or Contract Scams

Avoidance Tips:

  • Government jobs are advertised through official channels, like the Ministry of Labour or Cabinet Office.

  • No genuine government office will ask for money to secure a job or contract.

  • Report anyone claiming such to ACC or DEC.

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