What we know
Background “Black Friday” marks a period in the shopping season where retailers offer significant discounts and promotions to buyers. The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) anticipates a surge in online shopping scams due to the increased online shopping activity and urges citizens to do due diligence when online. The Authority has already recorded 210 cases of online shopping fraud with losses of over GH₵ 410,000 from January to October 2024 Modus Operandi Brand Impersonation:Scammers mimic known brands on search engines such as Google and then use optimisation techniques to manipulate search results to list their contact information at the top. After engaging these scammers, unsuspecting victims make advance payments for products or services they never receive. The scammers block their victims after receiving payments. Fake Online Shops:Scammers create online profiles especially on social media to sell non-existent goods and services at too-good-to-be-true prices. After making advance payments to mobile money wallets of the scammers, which usually do not bear the names of the supposed shops, victims are blocked and do not receive what they paid for. Phishing Schemes:Scammers trick online shoppers into disclosing sensitive information such as credit/debit card information or account passwords by luring them via email, WhatsApp message or SMS to click on links that lead to legitimate looking but fraudulent shopping sites. Recommendation Check on the official websites or with reliable sources to validate the contact details of shops rather than relying solely on search engine results. Also, check user reviews for hints of the reputation of the contact. Limit your shopping to reputable and well-known online stores and be cautious with unfamiliar shopping sites. Be cautious of phone calls, emails, or messages promising deals that seem too good to be true. Insist on payment after delivery and inspection. Contact the Cyber Security Authority The CSA has a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Points of Contact (PoC) for reporting cybercrimes and for seeking guidance and assistance on online activities, Call or Text – 292, WhatsApp – 0501603111, Email – report@csa.gov.gh Issued by Cyber Security Authority September 17, 2024 Ref: CSA/CERT/MPA/2024-10/01
Safety advice
- Stop using or purchasing the product if the notice asks you to.
- Keep receipts, batch numbers and packaging — they help with returns or investigations.
- Share this alert with anyone who might be affected, especially relatives and colleagues.
- If you believe you’ve been harmed, contact the official source or a relevant authority.