GHANA RECORDS Sharp Rise in SEXTORTION, Cybersecurity Officials Warn
Accra — Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is urging the public to remain vigilant as online blackmail and sextortion scams continue to claim victims across the country.
Fresh data from the agency shows a five-fold increase in financial losses linked to such crimes in the first four months of 2025, compared to the same period last year. Between January and April 2025, reported losses climbed to GH¢499,044, up from GH¢103,663 in 2024. While the number of reported cases saw only a slight rise, the scale of losses suggests that cybercriminals are employing far more sophisticated and aggressive tactics.
The warning was originally issued by the CSA on May 2, 2025, but officials say the threat remains “active and ongoing.”
How the Scams Work
According to the CSA, perpetrators typically create fake social media profiles featuring attractive photos to lure victims, posing as individuals seeking romantic relationships. They build trust before initiating explicit video calls or requesting intimate photos. The content is secretly recorded or saved without consent, then used to threaten the victim with public exposure unless a ransom is paid, often via mobile money.
Even after payment, the threats may continue or escalate. Criminals frequently move conversations to encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal to evade detection.
“In many cases, paying the ransom does not stop the threats. It emboldens the criminals,” the CSA cautioned.
How to Protect Yourself
The CSA recommends:
- Avoid accepting friend requests from strangers.
- Be cautious of online relationships that progress unusually quickly.
- Keep social media accounts private and limit who can see your posts.
- Never send or store nude or explicit images of yourself.
- If targeted, cease communication immediately — do not pay.
- Preserve all evidence: screenshots, usernames, URLs, messages, and payment demands.
- Report the incident to the CSA and seek emotional support from trusted individuals.
Reporting Sextortion in Ghana
The CSA operates a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact:
Call or Text: 292
WhatsApp: 050 160 3111
Email: report@csa.gov.gh
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