Ghana money scams Before you send any money to Ghana, please take the time to do your research and inform yourself. To achieve full digital financial inclusion, however, the country still must build capacity, skills, trust, and security. We’ll tell you what to look out for, so you can keep yourself and your money safe. The mind of a criminal is intelligent. These scams often take various forms, including romance scams, lottery or inheritance scams, and business investment fraud. Online scammers take their time in developing a relationship with you—and the same is true of Skype scammers. According to the BoG’s 2024 Fraud Report, the number of employees involved in fraudulent activities at Aug 15, 2023 · Tina said she contacted Roberts, whose company works with law enforcement and victims to investigate and trace crypto scams to help her recover her money. -based money launderer for a criminal enterprise based in the Republic of Ghana (“Ghana”) that engaged in fraud schemes that stole tens of millions of dollars from victims across the United States. There area also numerous online scamming activities taking place. Beware of scam calls asking you to send mobile money to their accounts to receive cash prizes or asking for your account details. This increase is not only alarming but costly, with an estimated GH¢56 million lost to fraud in 2022. Oct 27, 2024 · The danger of scammers preying on Ghanaians abroad who seek to build or invest back home is real. Beware of recovery scams After reporting fraud, be cautious of calls or messages from individuals claiming to help recover your money this could be a secondary scam. Criminal organizations are using artificial intelligence to generate thousands of personalized voice messages in local languages like Twi, enabling large Nov 18, 2023 · Every second may count in helping to stop a fraud. Jan 19, 2025 · These scams cost victims their money and can lead to identity theft and significant financial setbacks. Start by considering the fact that scams are common enough to warrant this warning. May 12, 2025 · Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud has become increasingly sophisticated, with cybercriminals employing advanced techniques to exploit unsuspecting users. Oct 9, 2023 · You need to learn the 11 signs of Ghana romance scams, how they operate, and how to protect yourself from these scammers. – Three men were sentenced for their roles in a Ghana-based romance scam and ordered to pay restitution to their victims following a joint HSI Tallahassee investigation. Aug 8, 2025 · Mobile money fraud in Ghana has evolved from rudimentary schemes into highly sophisticated scams. ”, sending money to Ghana to help a man pretending to be a United States soldier who had contacted her via Skype. Embassy Ghana’s Financial Scams page. The CSA estimates that millions of cedis have been lost to such schemes in just the first nine months of 2025. Oct 19, 2025 · Mobile money fraud remains the biggest contributor to Ghana’s cybercrime wave. Jun 2, 2020 · Scams in Ghana have shifted from one on one conman to text messages asking you to deposit some money to redeem a lottery you have won. In these scams, individuals pretend to be romantically interested in others online, often through dating websites or social media platforms, to gain their trust and, ultimately, their money. website. Kwame Oppong says the cases of mobile money fraud is on the increase and fraudsters are devising various means to scam both mobile money vendors and users of the mobile money platform. Sep 25, 2025 · Scams and fraudulent activities have become increasingly sophisticated in Ghana over the past few years, affecting locals, tourists, and international investors alike. The coordinated crackdown, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has exposed a transnational network of individuals accused of defrauding victims of millions of dollars in life savings. These fraud schemes included Jun 27, 2023 · Online scams and fraud are steadily rising in Ghana with scammers using deceptive practices to cause significant financial losses and emotional distress. S. Jun 18, 2025 · Three Ghanaian nationals, including an alleged cybercrime kingpin, are facing extradition to the United States in connection with a $100 million fraud scheme involving Business Email Compromise Jul 3, 2025 · Ghana mobile money scam alleges fraudsters target Temu shoppers with fake fees, threatening Ghana’s ₵62. It presents the industry position for the period 01 January – 31 December 2022. May 9, 2015 · Internet fraudsters in Ghana have their own subculture called the Sakawa boys renowned for partying and conspicuous consumption. One common form of fraud in Ghana is the infamous MoMo Fraud, which targets mobile money users. Sep 27, 2024 · A recent report from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has unveiled alarming trends in banking sector fraud, sparking fears about the integrity of financial institutions and eroding public confidence. Fraud-related financial losses rose from GH¢33 million in 2021 to GH¢56 million in 2022, with mobile money fraud alone exceeding GH¢10 million loses. Here are top strategies used by scammers to fool unsuspecting victims May 18, 2022 · Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that FRED ASANTE was sentenced to 108 months for his role as the top U. Jul 29, 2025 · Ghana’s mobile money systems face new challenges from AI-powered fraud threats that leverage advanced technology to create sophisticated scams. Oct 27, 2019 · We go undercover in Ghana to expose gold scammers tricking foreign investors out of huge sums of money. Please see Commercial Service Ghana’s market intelligence about procurement in Ghana. Discover eye-opening data from the Bank of Ghana's 2023 Financial Stability Review to see the impact. Feb 11, 2025 · The “ Yahoo Boys ” operating in Nigeria and “ Sakawa Boys ” in Ghana have a reputation for engaging in various fraudulent schemes, including online romance scams. Embassy in Ghana and the Government of Ghana confirm a list of 16 fraudulent procurement entities targeting U. Aug 8, 2025 · Ghanaian Nationals Extradited For Roles In Criminal Organization That Stole More Than $100 Million Through Romance Scams And Other Fraud Oct 1, 2024 · A new CBS investigation has revealed a growing network of Ghanaian romance scammers targeting Americans of all ages and backgrounds, defrauding them of substantial sums of money. 5 per cent in 2020 with a case count of 2,670. Sep 5, 2025 · Discover how to avoid money scams and fraud in Ghana in 2025. Aug 14, 2023 · Romance scams gaining ground across West Africa Students abandoning school for internet fraud Scammers using crypto to bypass safety checks ACCRA - As a teenager, Kasim was the star striker of his school's football team in Ghana, earning him the moniker Starflex. A. Oct 18, 2023 · In 2018, the Ghana Banking Industry Fraud report said that attempted fraud cases stood at 2,175 making it the lowest in five years (2018-2022). When he thinks of women like Tina, Suleiman says he hates himself. Ghana has its fair share of bad publicity, with Ghana Scams on the increase. According to the New York Times blog The New Old Age, a Portland, Oregon woman “drained her I. May 3, 2024 · Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Emmanuel Quamey, a Ghanaian national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon to 48 months in prison for his role in receiving and laundering stolen money which was obtained through romance scams that defrauded over a dozen vulnerable and/or elderly victims in the United States. Subsequently, the banking industry saw an increase in the number of attempted cases by 5. May 16, 2023 · The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in a statement indicated she had been charged with several counts, including conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. Jul 18, 2023 · Ghana romance scams are a type of fraudulent activity that has been prevalent for years. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta followed the money all the way to Ghana. The U. 6 trillion e-commerce future. Jun 19, 2025 · The United States has released the full list of Ghanaian nationals indicted in ongoing federal cases involving wire fraud and romance scams targeting elderly Americans. looking for love online are being tricked by young men trained to scam them. Get expert tips and safeguard your finances today. Here are 7 scams in Ghana: 1. Not only does it get to bait multiple victims but it also uses unwavering confidence and means you can’t suspect. African Land connects you to verified contractors and provides professional project oversight. Apr 19, 2025 · Mobile money fraud is on the rise in Ghana, and the numbers are telling. But the 22-year-old has since abandoned both his studies and football for a vocation that keeps him up at night: finding and luring Engaging fraud recovery experts increases the likelihood of retrieving money lost to a Ghana romance scam. ioBy Michael Dewornu The Director of Fintech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana Mr. Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of new executives of Mobile Money Advocacy Group, Mr May 1, 2025 · Mobile money has revolutionized the financial landscape in Ghana over the past decade and half, and with its promise of financial inclusion, especially for unbanked and underserved communities, mobile money platforms have allowed millions of Ghanaians to access basic financial services such as sending and receiving money, paying bills, saving, and even accessing credit. As digital payment systems evolve, so do the Sep 19, 2022 · Ghana's digital financial services industry, most notably the market for mobile money services, has grown significantly during the pandemic. Private investigators explain how to avoid the fraud cases from West Africa. Mobile money fraud alone accounted for 20% of these, translating to nearly 2,700 cases. Between 2020 and 2025 Apr 29, 2025 · The Cyber Security Authority of Ghana also runs periodic education campaigns. May 9, 2025 · Facing a broken economy, Ghana's tech-savvy teens turn to fraud Accra (AFP) – In the dusty alleys of Nima, a shanty town in the heart of Ghana's capital, a 17-year-old called Ghost reclines on a Jun 27, 2025 · The Bank of Ghana’s 2023 financial stability review indicated that, financial sector recorded 13,451 fraud cases in 2023, with mobile money scams making up 20% (2,700 cases). Apr 21, 2025 · Ghana’s Growing Scam Problem In 2023, there were 13,451 reported cases of fraud across Ghana’s financial sector. But data from the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications shows a gap: over 50% of mobile money users have limited awareness of digital scam tactics. “These fraudsters are Nov 21, 2024 · TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Disturbingly, statistics reveal that a staggering 45% of all cybercrime cases reported in Ghana are related to fraud. 4 per cent in 2019 with a case count of 2,295, and 15. What are Ghana Scams? Ghana scams can refer broadly to any instances in which misleading statements are made via phone, fax, or email in order to obtain money, financial information, or personal information under false pretenses. Many people—especially in rural areas or among the elderly—don’t fully understand how scammers operate. Sep 27, 2024 · Chocolates, flowers and gold mines: A CBS News investigation reveals the lengths scammers go to to romance and rob unsuspecting Americans. Jul 18, 2025 · The Bottom Line Ghana’s surge in fraudulent investment schemes is driven by economic hardship, digital vulnerabilities, and weak enforcement. Additional resources: individuals and companies can find out more about the Advanced Fee Fraud Scheme at U. Fraudsters often impersonate customer service agents, use fake promotions, or deploy phishing messages to trick users into sharing personal details and authorizing withdrawals. Nov 9, 2024 · Unravel the truth behind Ghana-based romance scams targeting seniors and learn how to protect your loved ones from emotional exploitation. Specialists in fraud recovery employ proven methods to track transactions, identify recipients, and work with financial institutions to secure refunds efficiently. Understanding the methods scammers use is the first step in safeguarding your finances by learning how loan scams in Ghana work, you can take proactive steps to avoid falling into their traps. We'll take a deeper look at Ghana romance scams, why they happen, and what to look out for. Roberts said his team of investigators tracked Tina’s scammers to criminal networks in Ghana. Whenever in doubt, don't hesitate to call the customer service number. Among the individuals named Aug 14, 2025 · Four men from Ghana were extradited for their alleged role in stealing more than $100 million through romance scams and BEC. Aug 15, 2023 · Such scams are becoming increasingly common in Ghana due to persistent poverty and a youth unemployment rate of more than 30%, while the country fights its way out of a generational economic crisis. and international companies. Aug 17, 2023 · Tina said she contacted Roberts – whose company works with law enforcement and victims to investigate and trace crypto scams to help her recover her money. Learn more about what Ghana Romance scams are and how to stay safe! Ghana and Nigeria scams continue to increase despite more awareness and warnings. Dec 1, 2021 · Romance scams are on the rise, and they originate from Ghana. Again, if you have already lost money or believe you may currently be involved in a scheme, please contact your local Secret Service field office and Ghana scams, also known as "419 scams" or "advance-fee fraud," involve deceptive practices where scammers based in Ghana—or claiming to be from Ghana—engage individuals or businesses in fraudulent schemes. Jan 20, 2025 · The Director of Fintech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana, Kwame Oppong, says cases of mobile money fraud are on the increase, with fraudsters devising various means to scam both mobile money Jun 18, 2025 · A joint FBI and Ghanaian security operation has led to the arrest of at least 15 individuals in Accra for alleged involvement in romance scams and wire fraud targeting victims abroad. Until robust laws, swift prosecutions, and aggressive education campaigns are in place, financial scams will continue to erode public trust and destabilize the financial system. From online schemes that exploit social media and mobile money platforms to in-person tricks targeting unsuspecting shoppers and travelers, these scams can cause significant financial and emotional damage. Apr 17, 2024 · A guide for companies to avoid fraud and scams allegedly associated with Ghanaian-based entities. Sep 24, 2024 · Billions of dollars are spilling out of American banks as a result of a persistent wave of overseas-based fraud schemes like these in Ghana, while anti-fraud safeguards are failing to stop the Jan 19, 2023 · Read on for everything you need to know about recent scam alerts in Ghana, including the money doubling scheme and other money transfer scams. Apr 22, 2025 · Mobile money fraud is surging in Ghana. How to Build Securely in Ghana Without Losing Money Learn how to build safely in Ghana and avoid scams. There are scammers everywhere, blending into society and posing as respectable contractors, consult…. In this section, we analyse and discuss some of the methods used by these MoMo fraudsters. According to the Bank of Ghana’s 2023 Financial Stability Review, there were 13,451 reported cases of fraud across the FRAUD REPORT This report is a definitive overview of various attempted and/or successful fraudulent activities recorded by Ghana’s Banking Institutions, Specialized Deposit-Taking Institutions and Payment Service Providers. R. Feb 11, 2019 · "Hey baby!" The screens light up and the scammers start their day, swapping sex and sweet nothings for money. Jan 19, 2025 · GHANA WEATHER - WeatherWidget. Learn practical safety tips to protect your mobile money, online accounts, and hard-earned income. Conclusion As shown by Bank of Ghana’s reports, Mobile Money Fraud is very prevalent in Ghana and every effort must be made to arrest it, lest it derails the years of efforts made towards promoting financial inclusion, particularly within the informal sector. Men and women in the U. Bank scams Romance scams in Ghana have become quite rampant. As technology continues to On this page we honour several brave and dedicated men from the Ghana Police Service: men and women who – in dangerous situations – were reaching out to help those in need of their services and ultimately paid the ultimate sacrifice. Apr 15, 2025 · 7. Apr 22, 2025 · Ghana is seeing a rise in mobile money fraud cases that primarily use social engineering tactics to deceive victims, reflecting broader cybersecurity challenges facing Africa’s rapidly growing digital financial services sector. Jan 23, 2025 · Learn how to detect and avoid romance scam Ghana schemes. opiq pfabr bpfu fuiznp kmqu kpm ozfyq hzxzr fsdtasyf vcfe yccollw jeh bhwhpl tblkvz kgfuct