How to Recognise and Handle Scam Calls
Scammers are using AI voice cloning and social engineering on the phone. Know the signs.
Phone scams have evolved. Criminals now use AI tools to clone the voices of your family members and create convincing fake emergencies. Whether it is a fake bank call, a lottery win, or a distressed relative — this guide teaches you how to identify and respond to scam calls.
Know the classic scam call scripts
The most common phone scams in Ghana: (1) 'You have won a prize, pay a processing fee.' (2) 'I am calling from your bank, your account is compromised, give me your OTP.' (3) 'I accidentally sent you money, please reverse it.' (4) 'Your relative is in an emergency, send money now.' These scripts rely on urgency and panic — slow down.
Establish a family code word
AI voice cloning can now replicate the sound of a family member's voice using only a few seconds of audio from social media. Agree on a secret code word with your closest family members. If you receive a distress call from someone who sounds like a relative, ask for the code word. A real family member will know it.
Never give OTPs over the phone
Your bank, MoMo provider, and any legitimate service will never call you to ask for an OTP. One-time passwords are for you to enter on the platform — they are never read aloud to a customer service agent. If someone asks for your OTP on a phone call, end the call immediately.
Verify by calling back on the official number
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank or a government agency, hang up and call back on the official number from their website or the back of your card. Do not use any number the caller gives you — scammers set up fake numbers that appear legitimate.
Report the number
After ending a scam call, report the number to the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Cybercrime Unit (18555). Your report helps authorities track and shut down scam operations. Also report it here on KwesiCyber so the community is warned.
Key Reminders
AI can now clone voices. A call that sounds like your child or parent may not be them. Always verify with your family code word.
Genuine urgency on a phone call is a red flag, not a reason to rush. Scammers use panic as their main tool.
Ghana's NCA has a short code for reporting scam numbers. Save 419 (NCA short code) in your phone.
In this guide
- Know the classic scam call scripts
- Establish a family code word
- Never give OTPs over the phone
- Verify by calling back on the official number
- Report the number
Quick Actions
Browse all protection guides
All Guides