The Cyber Security Authority issued a formal warning to the public following a significant increase in reported cases of WhatsApp account hijacking. According to a statement released by the agency, a criminal syndicate is currently operating within the Greater Accra Region to target unsuspecting mobile users. The GhanaWeb report indicates that these individuals use social engineering tactics to deceive victims into sharing their account verification codes.
Officials state that the hackers typically pose as known contacts or service providers to gain the trust of their targets. Once the attackers obtain the six digit verification code, they take full control of the account and lock out the legitimate owner. A report from Citi Newsroom confirms that the Cyber Security Authority has tracked these illegal activities over the past week and noted a sharp rise in unauthorized access complaints.
The agency recommends that all users enable two step verification as a primary defense against these cyber threats. This security feature requires a personal identification number before an account can be reactivated on a new device. The Ghana Police Service and the Cyber Security Authority are collaborating to monitor the digital footprints of the suspected syndicate according to official government communications.
The public is cautioned against clicking on suspicious links or joining unfamiliar groups that promise financial rewards or investment opportunities. The Cyber Security Authority emphasizes that legitimate organizations will never ask for private verification codes over text or voice calls. Victims of these scams are encouraged to report incidents to the national reporting centre to assist in ongoing investigations into digital fraud and organized crime.