Fake online businesses dupe victims of GHS266k between January and April — CSA

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has drawn the attention of the public to a surge in fraudulent online business schemes that have cost victims GHS266,195 between January and April 2026.

The authority said it recorded 54 cases within the period, involving scammers impersonating legitimate businesses on search engines and online map platforms.

In a statement issued on Thursday, April 30, the CSA noted that unsuspecting victims are lured into engaging these fake businesses and are eventually tricked into sharing sensitive financial information.

“The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has noted a growing trend of fraudsters impersonating legitimate businesses by creating fake listings on search engines and online map services,” the statement read in part.

The authority explained that the fraudsters use social engineering tactics to deceive victims into making payments or disclosing personal data under the guise of service processing.

It added that victims are often asked to provide details such as mobile money PINs, phone numbers and transaction information, which are then used to carry out unauthorised transactions.

“Victims are often instructed to complete online forms requesting their phone number, mobile network, transaction amount, and mobile money PIN,” the statement noted.

The CSA has urged the public to verify business contact details through official sources and avoid engaging suspicious online listings.

It also advised individuals never to disclose sensitive information such as PINs, OTPs or banking credentials, and to report suspected fraud through its 24-hour cybercrime reporting channels.