Over GH¢73,000 lost through Mobile Data Scams – CSA
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has reported that 63 victims lost a total of GH¢73,510 to mobile data bundle scams between January and July 2025.
In a statement issued on August 1, the CSA said fraudsters posed as sellers of discounted data bundles to trick victims into sending money, revealing personal information, or downloading malware.
The scammers, often using SMS, WhatsApp, or social media platforms, lured victims with extremely low data prices.
Some impersonated staff of mobile network operators, increasing their credibility.
“These fraudsters use links that collect personally identifiable information (PII) such as names, contacts, and passwords, or install malware that compromises victims’ mobile money wallets, social media, or bank accounts,” the CSA noted.
Victims were also deceived into sharing their mobile money PINs or making advance payments for bundles they never received.
The CSA urged the public to avoid purchasing data from unverified sources, and to verify offers directly with mobile network operators.
It also advised users not to click suspicious links or share sensitive information, even with known contacts and to enable two-step verification on all accounts.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Global Findex Report by the World Bank revealed that 8 per cent of Ghanaian mobile phone users have fallen victim to digital fraud, with many sending money to scammers.
It also found that 32 per cent received scam messages but avoided losses, while 48 per cent were not contacted.
The World Bank has called for targeted digital literacy training to help users identify and avoid scams, especially among vulnerable groups.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
