The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a fresh warning to the public following a sharp rise in online investment scams that have cost Ghanaians GH¢3.43 million in the first half of 2026.
According to the Authority, 352 cases of fraudulent online investment schemes were reported between January and June this year, with scammers increasingly exploiting social media, mobile money and targeted online advertisements to lure unsuspecting victims.
In a public alert released on July 6, the CSA said the fraudsters promise unusually high returns within a short period, convincing people to invest in what appear to be legitimate online business opportunities. However, victims often lose both their initial investment and any expected profits once the money is transferred.
The Authority explained that many of these schemes falsely claim links to well-known international companies to gain public confidence. One example is the use of names resembling Daraz, the legitimate Pakistan-based e-commerce company, to make fraudulent platforms appear credible.
Investigators say the scammers advertise fake investment opportunities involving online business activities, cryptocurrency mining equipment, digital task-based jobs and other ventures that supposedly generate quick profits.
To stay ahead of regulators and law enforcement agencies, the operators frequently shut down and relaunch under different names. The CSA identified some of the latest names being used as Darazz, Daily Trade, Ghstore, KUKA and Edollar.
The Authority noted that the growing popularity of digital financial services has created more opportunities for legitimate online business, but it has also made it easier for cybercriminals to target unsuspecting users.
Many victims are approached through WhatsApp groups, Facebook advertisements or unsolicited messages that appear to come from trusted individuals or recognised organisations.
In some cases, fraudsters even pay small amounts or display fake profits at the beginning to convince victims to invest larger sums or invite friends and relatives to join. Once more money has been committed, the platforms disappear, block users or simply reappear under a different name.
The CSA described the increasing number of cases as a growing consumer protection challenge, warning that online investment fraud is no longer an isolated cybercrime but a major threat affecting households, small business owners, informal workers and young professionals seeking additional sources of income.
The Authority urged Ghanaians to be extremely cautious of any investment platform promising guaranteed or unusually high returns with little or no risk.
It also advised the public to avoid joining suspicious WhatsApp groups or responding to unsolicited investment offers claiming to represent reputable organisations.
Before investing money online, the CSA encouraged individuals to verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity through official channels or recognised regulatory institutions.
The Authority stressed that promises of quick wealth, pressure to invest immediately, requests to transfer money through mobile money accounts and demands to recruit other people are all warning signs that should not be ignored.
It further called for stronger collaboration among cybersecurity agencies, financial regulators, telecom operators, payment service providers and law enforcement bodies to combat the rapidly evolving scams, which often shift across social media platforms, mobile money wallets and temporary websites.
Members of the public who encounter suspicious investment schemes are encouraged to report them to the CSA through its 24-hour cybercrime reporting channels by calling or texting 292, sending a WhatsApp message to 0501603111, or emailing report@csa.gov.gh.
The Authority says the safest approach remains simple: verify every online investment opportunity before committing any money, because if an offer promises guaranteed, quick and exceptionally high returns, it is more likely to be a scam than a genuine investment.
