Financial losses from online blackmail and sextortion in Ghana have skyrocketed to GH¢499,044 in the first four months of 2025, according to alarming new data from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
This figure represents a nearly fivefold increase compared to the GH¢103,663 recorded during the same period in 2024, underscoring the growing threat posed by increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals.
In its latest public advisory, the CSA noted a rise in reported cases between January and April 2025, exceeding the 155 incidents documented in the same period last year.
The agency revealed that criminals often operate through fake social media profiles, usually featuring attractive photos to lure unsuspecting victims into romantic conversations.
Once trust is built, the scammers coerce victims into sharing explicit content, which is later used for extortion.
Victims are typically threatened with the release of compromising images or videos unless they pay a mobile money ransom. However, the CSA warns that making payments rarely ends the ordeal—many victims continue to face repeated threats even after complying.
To further evade detection, perpetrators frequently move conversations to encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal.
The CSA is urging the public to be vigilant:
- Avoid engaging with unfamiliar online profiles
- Never share intimate content via digital platforms
- Report suspicious activity immediately through the CSA’s 24-hour cybersecurity support services
The Authority also emphasised that proactive public awareness and quick reporting are critical in curbing this disturbing trend.
