The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a public alert over a growing wave of fraudulent online business impersonation schemes, warning that unsuspecting individuals are increasingly being deceived through fake listings on search engines and digital map platforms.
In a statement released on April 30, 2026, the Authority revealed that it recorded fifty-four (54) reported cases of such scams between January 1 and April 26, resulting in total financial losses amounting to GHS 266,195.00. The CSA noted that the trend reflects a broader escalation in cybercrime activities across Ghana, driven by the increasing reliance on digital platforms for business transactions and service access.
The warning comes amid rising concerns about online fraud nationwide. Recent data shows that the CSA received over 700 online fraud reports in the first quarter of 2026 alone, representing a sharp increase compared to the same period in 2025. This surge highlights how cybercriminals are evolving their tactics to exploit digital behaviour patterns among users.
How the Scam Operates
According to the CSA, the fraudulent schemes primarily involve impersonation of legitimate businesses through manipulated online listings. Cybercriminals create fake profiles on search engines and map services, often mimicking real companies with convincing details, including names, logos, and contact information.
Victims who rely on these listings unknowingly engage with the fraudsters, believing they are dealing with authentic service providers. Once contact is established, the attackers deploy social engineering tactics to gain the victim’s trust and extract sensitive information.
The Authority explained that victims are typically asked to provide personal and financial details under the guise of processing payments or completing service requests. These may include phone numbers, transaction amounts, and, in some cases, highly sensitive data such as mobile money PINs.
“Once victims submit this information, the malicious actors carry out unauthorised transactions, leading to financial losses.”
Statement from the Cyber Security Authority
This form of impersonation is not entirely new but has become more sophisticated. Cybersecurity reports indicate that fraudsters now manipulate search engine results and digital visibility tools to ensure their fake listings appear credible and easily accessible to users.
Growing Cyber Threat Landscape
The CSA’s alert forms part of a broader pattern of increasing cyber threats in Ghana’s digital ecosystem. Online fraud, particularly impersonation scams, has emerged as one of the most dominant forms of cybercrime in recent years.
Experts attribute this rise to the rapid growth of mobile money usage, e-commerce, and digital services, which have created new opportunities for fraudsters. National estimates indicate that millions of cedis are lost annually to various forms of cybercrime, including phishing, impersonation, and online scams.
The situation is further compounded by the use of social engineering techniques, where attackers exploit human behaviour rather than technical vulnerabilities. By creating urgency or presenting themselves as trusted service providers, fraudsters are able to bypass traditional security awareness among users.
CSA Issues Safety Guidelines and Incident Point of Contact
In response to the growing threat, the CSA has outlined several precautionary measures to help individuals avoid falling victim to these scams. The Authority urged the public to verify business contact details through official websites or trusted sources before initiating any communication.
Users are also advised to be cautious of online listings with limited reviews or recently created profiles, as these may indicate fraudulent activity.Additionally, the CSA strongly warned against sharing sensitive information such as mobile money PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs), or banking credentials with any individual or platform.
“Never disclose sensitive information such as mobile money PINs, OTPs, or banking credentials to anyone.”
Cyber Security Authority cautions in the statement.
The public is also encouraged to confirm payment requests directly with verified business representatives using trusted contact details, rather than relying solely on information obtained from online searches.
To strengthen response efforts, the CSA has made available a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact (PoC) to assist victims and provide guidance on suspicious online activities.
Members of the public can report incidents via call or text on 292, WhatsApp on 0501603111, or email at [email protected]. The Authority emphasised that timely reporting is critical in preventing further losses and enabling law enforcement agencies to track and dismantle cybercrime networks.
Need for Increased Awareness
The CSA’s alert underscores the need for continuous public education and awareness in an increasingly digital society. As more individuals and businesses move online, the risks associated with cybercrime are expected to grow unless adequate precautions are taken.
Cybersecurity experts maintain that vigilance, verification, and responsible digital behaviour remain the most effective tools in combating online fraud. They stress that while technology continues to evolve, human awareness remains the first line of defence.
The CSA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s digital space and urged all citizens to remain alert, cautious, and proactive in safeguarding their personal and financial information.
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