Ghana Loses GH¢3.4 Million To Fraudulent Online Investment Schemes In First Half Of 2026

Ghanaians have lost more than GH¢3.4 million to fraudulent online investment schemes in the first six months of 2026, according to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), which says it recorded a sharp rise in such scams across the country.

In a public alert issued on Monday, the Authority said it documented 352 cases of fraudulent online investment schemes between January and June this year, resulting in a combined financial loss of GH¢3,429,447.

The CSA said the scams are largely carried out through social media platforms, where fraudsters entice victims with promises of unusually high investment returns before directing them to transfer money through mobile money services.

According to the Authority, the scammers operate under different aliases and frequently change their identities to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies, regulators and the public.

"In the first six (6) months of 2026, the CSA recorded 352 of such cases, amounting to a total financial loss of GHS 3,429,447," the Authority said in the statement.

The CSA warned that the fraudsters often attempt to appear legitimate by falsely claiming to be subsidiaries or affiliates of established foreign companies.

One example cited in the alert is Darazz, which the Authority said is presented as a subsidiary of a legitimate e-commerce company headquartered in Pakistan to gain the confidence of potential victims.

The Authority said the schemes are commonly promoted through targeted advertisements on social media. In some cases, victims are told their investments will be used to finance cryptocurrency mining equipment leases or online business activities.

However, after transferring their money, victims neither receive the promised returns nor recover their initial investments.

The CSA said cybercriminals regularly rebrand their operations to stay ahead of enforcement efforts.

It identified some of the names currently being used as Darazz, Daily Trade, Ghstore, KUKA and Edollar.

The Authority urged the public to be cautious of investment opportunities that promise exceptionally high returns, warning that such offers are often designed to defraud unsuspecting people.

It also advised Ghanaians to avoid joining WhatsApp groups or responding to unsolicited messages claiming links to reputable organisations.

The CSA further encouraged prospective investors to verify the legitimacy and credibility of any investment opportunity through official channels or recognised regulatory bodies before committing funds.

It also called on the public to report suspicious contacts or fraudulent investment schemes to the Authority to support investigations and prevent more people from becoming victims.

The Cyber Security Authority said its 24-hour Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Incident Reporting Points of Contact remain available for members of the public seeking guidance or wishing to report suspected scams.