ALERT 2 min read 3 April 2026 CSA Ghana · LinkedIn

CSA Ghana Public Alert: Easter Season Scams — 113% Surge in Online Fraud

Between January and March 2026, the Cyber Security Authority received 720 cases of online fraud — a 113% increase on 2025. CSA warns Ghanaians of online shopping scams, brand impersonation, and phishing attacks ahead of Easter.

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Background

Easter is a major Christian festival that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Malicious actors have been observed to take advantage of the heightened commercial activity associated with festive seasons to perpetrate online scams.

Between January and March 2026, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) received 720 cases of online fraud. This represents a significant increase of 113% — an additional 382 cases — compared to the 338 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. The public is reminded to exercise caution and due diligence in their online activities.

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Modus Operandi

Online Shopping Scams: Malicious actors create fake online shops or impersonate existing businesses on social media pages, offering heavily discounted products. Victims are enticed to send money for these deals, but never receive the items.

Brand Impersonation: Malicious actors create fake business listings or profiles with their contact details on Google Maps, mimicking legitimate businesses or brands and use search engine optimisation techniques to manipulate search results for the targeted brand. This diverts legitimate inquiries to the scammers' contact numbers. After the unsuspecting victims engage and pay — usually to a mobile money wallet — the scammers block them and fail to deliver.

Phishing Scams: Malicious actors send unsolicited emails or messages claiming to be from a romantic partner or a company offering festive season deals. These messages contain links or attachments that, when clicked, install malicious software (malware) or steal personal information.

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Recommendations

Be cautious of unsolicited messages offering exciting or "too good to be true" deals connected to the festive season.

Use a reputable online marketplace or retailer when purchasing items or gifts. Consider reviews and customer feedback before making an online purchase.

Search engines can be manipulated to show misleading results. Check the official website or reliable sources to validate the contact details of shops and institutions.

Insist on payment only after delivery and inspection, and ensure that mobile money payments are made to wallets in the name of the online shop you are dealing with.

Do not share personal information such as your Ghana Card number, credit card information, or bank account details with anyone.

The CSA operates a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact (PoC) for reporting cybercrimes and receiving guidance on suspected scams. Contact: Call or Text 292, WhatsApp 0501603111, or Email report@csa.gov.gh.

Issued by the Cyber Security Authority | 1 April 2026 | Ref: CSA/CERT/MPA/2026-03/01