Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) has adopted artificial intelligence (AI) technology as part of enhanced security measures to combat the growing threat of mobile money fraud.
The move was disclosed by the Senior Manager for Fintech at MTN, Abdul-Majeed Rufai, who said the initiative is aimed at protecting customers and businesses from increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.
Speaking to Joy Business, Mr Rufai explained that MTN has embedded advanced algorithms into its mobile money systems to detect and block fraudulent messages before they reach customers.
According to him, the system is capable of identifying attempts to mimic official mobile money transaction alerts, even when fraudsters manipulate message headers, formats, 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 message formats in fake alerts. However, he stressed that 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 explained that the AI-powered systems enable MTN to identify suspicious messages and transaction patterns in real time, allowing the network to act swiftly to prevent potential financial losses.
Mr Rufai reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to strengthening security on its mobile money platform and working closely with customers and businesses to ensure safer and more reliable mobile money transactions.
As concerns over mobile money fraud continue to rise, industry observers say the deployment of advanced technologies such as AI will be critical in restoring confidence in digital payments and supporting Ghana’s drive toward a cashless economy.
