Telecom giant urges Nigerians to avoid suspicious links and use only official platforms as scammers exploit anniversary promotion

MTN Nigeria has issued a strong warning to its millions of subscribers nationwide over the circulation of fraudulent messages and links falsely advertising a 25GB anniversary data giveaway.

The telecom company, marking its 25th anniversary, said while the promotional offer is genuine, cybercriminals have hijacked the excitement to deceive unsuspecting users. In a statement shared via its official support handle on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, MTN cautioned customers against engaging with unverified platforms.

“Please beware of fake MTN 25th Anniversary 25GB giveaway offers circulating online,” the company said, stressing that the legitimate offer is accessible only through its verified channels — the MyMTN NG App and the MTN eShop.

The warning comes amid a surge in online posts and direct messages promising free data bundles, often accompanied by links that request personal details or demand payment. MTN advised subscribers to resist the temptation of such offers, noting that they are designed to harvest sensitive information or defraud users.

“Do not click on links, share your personal information or make payments on any other platform claiming to offer the giveaway. Only trust official MTN channels,” the company added.

To help eligible customers safely access the offer, MTN explained that users should log in to the MyMTN App and select the ‘Redeem Now’ option on the anniversary banner, or visit the MTN eShop and follow the activation prompts. The company also noted that some subscribers may receive official SMS notifications containing direct links to the offer.

Beyond the technical instructions, the advisory reflects growing concerns about digital fraud in Nigeria, where scammers frequently exploit major promotions and trending events to target users. For many subscribers, especially those eager to benefit from free data, the risk of falling victim to such schemes remains high.

MTN reassured customers that the 25GB data bundle, once successfully activated, will remain valid until the stated expiry time of 11:59 p.m., urging eligible users to redeem it within the validity window.

The company further encouraged subscribers to rely solely on information disseminated through its verified communication channels and to report suspicious messages when encountered.

As Nigeria’s largest telecom provider celebrates a major milestone, the warning serves as a reminder that digital convenience must be matched with caution, especially in an era where online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated.