Over GH¢3 million lost to online investment fraud in first half of 2026 — CSA

More than GH¢3.4 million was lost to fraudulent online investment schemes in Ghana during the first six months of 2026, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has revealed.

According to the Authority, it recorded 352 cases of online investment fraud between January and June this year, with victims collectively losing GH¢3,429,447 to scammers who promised unusually high returns on investments.

In a public alert issued on Monday, July 6, the Authority said the fraudsters mainly operate through social media advertisements and mobile money platforms, using fake investment opportunities to lure unsuspecting victims into transferring funds they never recover.

The Authority explained that the perpetrators often disguise themselves as subsidiaries of well-known foreign companies to gain the confidence of potential victims.

It cited Darazz, which it said fraudsters falsely present as being linked to a legitimate Pakistan-based e-commerce company, as one of the aliases used to deceive the public.

According to the CSA, victims are persuaded to invest in schemes purportedly involving cryptocurrency mining equipment, online business tasks or other ventures that promise substantial financial returns.

However, after victims transfer money, they neither receive the promised profits nor recover their initial investments.

The Authority noted that the fraudsters frequently change their identities to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies, regulators and the public.

The CSA urged the public to exercise caution when approached with investment opportunities that promise exceptionally high returns and advised against joining unsolicited WhatsApp groups or responding to messages claiming affiliation with reputable organisations.

It further advised individuals to verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities through official channels or recognised regulatory bodies before committing funds.