Source: Fraudsters exploit CVR data to scam new drivers – herald
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
Scammers have allegedly breached the Central Vehicle Registry database, sending messages to new driver’s licence holders, demanding US$50 Ecocash payment for disc collection.
Reports indicate that this scam has duped several individuals, and police believe many more cases may go unreported due to victims’ fear of being implicated in the fraud.
“I am Mr Moyo, Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) Eastlea, Harare. To collect your driver’s licence disc, please bring your National ID card and US$50. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm,” reads part of the message being sent to targeted persons.
Armed with this information, The Herald tracked down the alleged chief fraudster masquerading as Mr Moyo from VID, who is soliciting bribes using the number 0771 129 569. Posing as a genuine licence holder seeking a disc, our news crew spoke to Mr Moyo, who advised the team to rush to the CVR offices with $50 and a national ID.
However, upon arrival, Mr Moyo demanded a US$50 deposit into David Muparadzi’s account (0782 955 080), promising to retrieve the licence disc from the office he claimed to be in and deliver it immediately. Instead of complying, this reporter verified the message’s authenticity with the CVR receptionist, who confirmed that multiple individuals had fallen prey to this scam.
“This person is a thief; even police officers have been deceived,” the receptionist said. “We don’t specify payment amounts in our messages, and we never request deposits into personal accounts. This individual has swindled several people.”
The receptionist also stated that he suspected these fraudsters had either hacked their database or were obtaining information from within, as they were using the correct contact details of recent licence holders. However, the majority of drivers who acquired their driver’s licences when the new plastic licences were introduced in 2023 received their discs at their local post offices free of charge, with only their IDs being required.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has since issued a statement warning members of the public to be on high alert. “The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development through its Central Vehicle Registry Department (CVR) wishes to alert the public about a fraudster posing as Mr Moyo from VID Eastlea sending fake messages claiming that driving licence discs are ready for collection,” reads part of the statement.
“Victims receive a call message directing them to come to Harare. They are told to deposit USD 50 into Ecocash account 0782 955 080. Once payment is made, the scammer blocks the victim. The scammer uses 0771 129 569 for calls and messages.”
The Ministry also reiterated that VID and CVR services are never paid to personal accounts.
“Always pay at official offices and get an official receipt. Verify any suspicious messages directly with VID/CVR offices. Report immediately to the police if contacted by these numbers.” The Ministry advised the public that the collection of licence discs is done at ZIMPOST and CVR offices.
When contacted for comment, Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said they were yet to receive any official report, adding that the victims might be afraid since some of them could be engaging in such transactions, trying their luck.
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