Cyber Security Authority warns of rising fraud targeting online consumers
At least 73,510 Ghana cedis has been lost to mobile data bundle scams in Ghana between January and July 2025, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has revealed, as cybercriminals exploit growing demand for discounted internet packages.
In a public alert issued Friday, August 1, the CSA confirmed 63 reported cases in the first seven months of the year, warning that the actual losses could be higher due to underreporting.
According to the Authority, fraudsters often impersonate mobile network operators or advertise fake promotions on SMS, WhatsApp, and social media to lure unsuspecting customers. Victims are tricked into making advance payments for non-existent data bundles or clicking malicious links that steal personal data and grant hackers access to mobile money wallets and social media accounts.
“The scams involve harvesting contacts, passwords, and mobile money details, stealing WhatsApp verification codes and PINs to hijack accounts, and installing malware to gain access to social media and financial platforms,” the CSA stated.
Some incidents resulted in unauthorised withdrawals from mobile money accounts, while others saw customers pay for data bundles that were never delivered.
The CSA has urged consumers to verify vendors through official customer service channels, ignore unsolicited messages promoting cheap data packages, and avoid clicking on suspicious links even if they appear to come from trusted contacts. It further advised enabling two-factor authentication to secure online accounts.
Victims and concerned citizens can report incidents via the CSA’s 24-hour lines: call or text 292, WhatsApp 0501603111, or email report@csa.gov.gh.
