How to spot telebirr and phone scams in Ethiopia: what Ethio telecom actually warns about

Ethio telecom publishes a fraud awareness page. These are the patterns and precautions it lists. Common patterns - Calls or SMS with false information to get your money or details. - Fake apps that copy bank apps and run USSD codes in the background. - SIM swap fraud, where someone gets control of your number. - "Wangiri" style missed calls from unknown numbers, hoping you call back and pay high charges. Precautions - Enable the SIM lock. Ethio telecom recommends it against SIM swap fraud. - Staff will never ask for your PIN or password. Never share either. - Do not call back or text a quick missed call from an unknown number. - Ignore requests from unknown people for airtime or telebirr transfers. - If someone says they sent money by mistake and asks you to send it back, do not. - Report suspicious messages through 994 or 127. Context - Ethio telecom says that after reports it blocks numbers and works with police. - In 2023 it restricted telebirr access to the SIM in the customer's own phone after reports of unauthorised access. - A November 2024 Shega report says spam texts offering fake jobs, suspicious investments and phishing are rising. Your turn: what scam attempt have you seen (call, SMS, Telegram, fake app), how did you recognise it, and what did you do?