Beware of fake 25GB anniversary data giveaway, MTN alert subscribers

MTN Nigeria has warned millions of its subscribers against fraudulent online promotions offering free 25GB data purportedly as part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebration.

The telecommunications giant issued the warning on Saturday, August 8, 2026, through its official customer support account on X, following the circulation of unauthorised links and social media posts inviting subscribers to claim the supposed anniversary data bundle.

MTN said the legitimate 25GB anniversary offer is available exclusively through its official platforms — the MyMTN NG App and MTN eShop.

The company urged customers to ignore websites, social media accounts and other third-party platforms promoting the offer.

“Please beware of fake MTN 25th Anniversary 25GB giveaway offers circulating online,” the company said.

MTN advised eligible subscribers to access the promotion through the MyMTN App or MTN eShop and follow the instructions provided to activate the bundle.

Customers who received an official SMS notification about the promotion may also use the link contained in the message, provided it is confirmed to have originated from MTN.

The company specifically warned subscribers against clicking on suspicious links, providing personal information or making payments to individuals or websites claiming to facilitate access to the anniversary data.

MTN further advised customers to rely only on information published through its verified communication channels when seeking details about the promotion.

It also reminded eligible subscribers that the 25GB anniversary bundle has a validity period and should be redeemed before 11:59 p.m. on the specified expiry date.

Cybersecurity experts said the fake promotion highlights the growing sophistication of online fraud targeting customers of major brands.

According to analysts, giveaways involving free data, airtime and cash are particularly attractive to fraudsters because they exploit consumers’ interest in limited-time rewards.

They explained that scammers can replicate the branding, logos and language of legitimate companies to make fraudulent websites and social media posts appear authentic.

Beyond possible financial losses, experts warned that clicking on such links could expose users to phishing attacks designed to obtain phone numbers, passwords, banking details and other personal information.

They advised telecom subscribers to avoid clicking on promotional links received through forwarded WhatsApp messages, unsolicited social media posts or unfamiliar websites.

Analysts also called on telecommunications companies to strengthen public awareness campaigns and work with relevant authorities to identify and shut down fraudulent websites and social media accounts impersonating their brands.

The warning has also triggered reactions among MTN customers, some of whom expressed concern over the growing number of fake promotions circulating online.

Some subscribers said the widespread use of MTN’s branding in fraudulent messages makes it increasingly difficult for customers to distinguish genuine promotions from scams.