The Cyber Security Authority issued an official alert on October 18 2024 warning citizens about an increase in phishing activities targeting motorists via mobile text messages. According to the official statement from the Cyber Security Authority the scammers send messages claiming that the recipient has unpaid electronic toll fees that must be settled immediately through a provided web link.
A report from MyJoyOnline indicates that the fraudulent messages often include a sense of urgency to trick victims into clicking links that lead to cloned websites. These sites are designed to harvest debit card numbers and mobile money credentials according to findings published by Citi Newsroom. The Cyber Security Authority notes that the perpetrators are using these unauthorized platforms to gain access to private financial accounts.
Technical analysis provided by the Cyber Security Authority explains that once a user enters their details the suspects can perform unauthorized transactions. The agency has advised the public to refrain from clicking on suspicious links and to verify any payment requests through official government channels or verified service providers. GhanaWeb reports that the authority is currently monitoring various digital footprints to identify the individuals behind the fraudulent SMS campaign.
The Cyber Security Authority remains the primary body investigating the technical aspects of these cyberattacks while the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service has been briefed on the matter. Officials recommend that anyone who has already shared their financial details via these links should immediately contact their banking institution and report the incident to the Cyber Security Authority using the short code 292 as stated in their official alert.