The Cyber Security Authority issued an official alert to the public concerning a new phishing campaign designed to defraud mobile money users. According to a GhanaWeb report, the scheme involves the distribution of fraudulent messages that trick users into revealing their personal identification numbers and other sensitive account credentials.
Reports from the Cyber Security Authority indicate that the operations are primarily concentrated in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. These regional targets were identified following a surge in complaints from subscribers who lost money through unauthorized electronic transactions during the current week. The authority states that the perpetrators often pose as service providers or government officials to build trust with their targets.
A Citi Newsroom report notes that the scammers use social engineering tactics to bypass standard security protocols. The Cyber Security Authority advises the public that legitimate service providers will never ask for a mobile money pin or personal security codes via phone calls or text messages. Officials also recommend that users enable two factor authentication where available to provide an additional layer of security against these unauthorized access attempts.
Data provided in several news reports across the country suggests that the frequency of these cyberattacks has increased in the first quarter of the year. While the specific number of affected individuals remains unconfirmed by the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority confirms that they are working with telecommunications companies to track the origin of the phishing messages and suspend fraudulent accounts. The investigation into the lead suspects remains ongoing according to official statements.