A cunning scam has hit Zimbabwe’s Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) , targeting newly licensed drivers with fake messages demanding US$50 Ecocash payments for the collection of driver’s license discs. The fraudsters have allegedly breached the agency’s database, using personal details from recent license applicants to impersonate Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) officials.

The scammer, posing as a “Mr. Moyo” from the Eastlea VID office, sends messages to unsuspecting victims, instructing them to transfer money to a private mobile money account. The message reads: “I am Mr. Moyo, Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) Eastlea, Harare. To collect your driver’s license disc, please bring your National ID card and US$50. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.”

A Herald investigation traced the scam to a number believed to belong to the mastermind, who instructs targets to send a US$50 deposit to Ecocash number 0782 955 080 under the name David Muparadzi. The fraudster uses the number 0771 129 569 for communication.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has issued a public warning, confirming that the fraudster instructs victims to send US$50 to the aforementioned Ecocash number. The ministry emphasized that license discs should only be collected from Zimpost and CVR offices and warned the public to verify any suspicious messages directly with relevant authorities and report such attempts to the police.

Authorities are urging all recent license holders to be vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious messages or payment requests to the police or the CVR. The public is advised to be cautious and not to fall prey to such scams.

source- herald