MTN uses AI to block fraudulent Mobile Money messages

Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) has adopted artificial intelligence (AI) technology to combat the rising threat of mobile money fraud.

This was revealed by the Senior Manager for Fintech at MTN, Abdul-Majeed Rufai, who said the initiative forms part of broader security measures aimed at protecting customers and businesses.

Speaking to Joy Business, Mr Rufai explained that MTN has built advanced algorithms into its mobile money systems to detect and block fraudulent messages before they reach customers.

According to him, the system is designed to identify any attempt to mimic official mobile money transaction alerts, even when fraudsters alter message headers or transaction details.

“We have an algorithm behind our systems. If you try to mimic the message that you get when you send money, it will be blocked from going to the recipient,” he said.

Mr Rufai noted that fraudsters often attempt to bypass security systems by deliberately inserting spelling mistakes and irregular formats into fake messages.

However, he said MTN is deploying a combination of AI and machine learning technologies to stay ahead of such tactics.

“If you look at the SMS that they send, they will start putting spelling mistakes— a lot of spelling mistakes—to try to outweigh the system. While we are deploying various technologies like AI and machine learning to detect some of these measures, it ensures that such messages do not get to the customer in the first place,” he added.

He stressed that the use of AI has become one of MTN’s strongest tools in identifying suspicious messages and transaction patterns in real time, enabling the network to act swiftly to prevent potential losses.

Mr. Rufai reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to strengthening security on its mobile money platform and working closely with businesses and customers to ensure safer and more reliable mobile money transactions.

As concerns over mobile money fraud continue to grow, industry observers say such technological interventions will be critical in restoring confidence in digital payments and sustaining Ghana’s cashless economy drive.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE