Ghanaians lose GHS500k in 157 online blackmail & sextortion in first 4 months of 2025

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana has raised concerns over a sharp rise in financial losses linked to online blackmail and sextortion scams in the first four months of 2025, with victims losing approximately $40,000 (GHS 499,044) between January and April.

This marks a staggering 381.4% increase in monetary loss compared to the same period in 2024, when victims lost around $8,300 (GHS 103,663).

Notably, the number of reported cases has remained relatively constant — 157 in 2025 versus 155 in 2024 — indicating that perpetrators are now deploying more aggressive and sophisticated tactics.

According to CSA, these scams follow a common and deceptive pattern:

• Fake Social Media Profiles: Cybercriminals create enticing social media accounts, often featuring attractive photos, to initiate romantic conversations.
• Trust and Exploitation: Once trust is established, they lure victims into sending explicit content or participating in private video calls.
• Secret Recordings: These intimate exchanges are recorded without consent.
• Ransom Demands: Victims are blackmailed with threats of public exposure unless they pay a ransom via mobile money.
• Ongoing Threats: Even after payment, the harassment often continues.
• Encrypted Platforms: Perpetrators quickly shift conversations to apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal to avoid detection.

In response to this troubling trend, the CSA is advising Ghanaians to remain vigilant online and adopt safe digital practices. Their key recommendations include:

• Avoid accepting friend requests from unknown individuals.
• Be wary of online relationships that escalate quickly or demand intimate content.
• Never share explicit material online — even with seemingly trustworthy contacts.
• Keep social media profiles private to limit exposure.
• Do not store nude images or videos on any device.
• If targeted, stop communication immediately and do not pay any ransom.
• Save all evidence — including screenshots, usernames, URLs, messages, and payment requests — and report the incident.
• Seek emotional support from trusted family members or professionals.

The CSA has 24-hour support lines for reporting cybercrimes and obtaining guidance. Citizens can contact the Authority via:

• Call or Text: 292
• WhatsApp: 050 160 3111
• Email: report@csa.gov.gh

As online crimes grow more sophisticated and financially damaging, the CSA is calling on the public to take proactive steps to protect themselves and support the authorities in tracking and apprehending cybercriminals.

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