The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is warning Ghanaians over a sharp rise in fraudulent online investment schemes that have cost victims more than GH¢3.4 million in the first half of 2026.
According to the Authority, it had recorded 352 cases of online investment fraud between January and June 2026, with total reported financial losses amounting to GH¢3,429,447.
CSA, in a statement on Monday, July 6, noted that the fraudulent schemes typically lure unsuspecting victims with promises of unusually high investment returns, using social media advertisements to attract investors and mobile money platforms to receive payments.
It added that the fraudsters often claim to be affiliated with well-known international companies.
“In their bid to appear credible, threat actors falsely present their schemes as subsidiaries of established foreign companies, e.g. Darazz, a legitimate e-commerce company headquartered in Pakistan.”
The Authority said victims are persuaded to invest in what are presented as cryptocurrency mining equipment leases, online business tasks or other supposedly lucrative ventures. However, once funds are transferred, the promised returns never materialise.
“Victims are promised substantial returns, but once funds are transferred, they neither receive any returns nor recover their initial investment.”
The CSA noted that the perpetrators frequently change the names of their operations to avoid detection by regulators, law enforcement agencies and the public.
It identified some of the latest aliases being used as Darazz, Daily Trade, Ghstore, KUKA and Edollar.
The Authority urged the public to exercise caution when approached with investment opportunities promising unusually high returns and advised against joining unsolicited WhatsApp groups or responding to messages claiming links to reputable organisations.
It also encouraged prospective investors to verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity through official channels or recognised regulatory bodies before committing funds.
The CSA further appealed to the public to report suspected scams to assist ongoing investigations.
