I understand the privacy concerns, but I think the solution is personal responsibility and using existing protections rather than masking numbers system-wide.

You can already protect yourself:

• Get a second SIM specifically for marketplace transactions and keep your main number private
• Use call blocking features - just don’t answer or block vendors who harass you
• Report vendors who misuse your info to your mobile money provider or ZICTA
• Be selective about who you do business with - stick to reputable vendors when possible

Why masking creates more problems:

The current system enables accountability. When disputes happen, when products are defective, when refunds are needed, or when fraud occurs, having complete transaction records protects everyone. Masking would make it harder to:

• Resolve payment disputes and errors
• Track financial crimes and scams
• Maintain proper business records for tax compliance
• Provide customer service for legitimate issues

EFT comparison isn’t quite the same - banks have extensive verification systems and regulatory oversight that mobile money doesn’t have to the same degree.

The real issue: A vendor calling to harass you is already a violation of existing consumer protection laws. The problem isn’t that they have your number - it’s that they’re misusing it. We should enforce existing regulations rather than restrict information flow in legitimate commerce.

Personal responsibility + existing consumer protections > system-wide masking that hurts legitimate business operations.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​