The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a warning to the public alerting of an uptick in online scams as the Easter and Eid al-Fitr festive seasons approach.

Both Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, are occasions of heightened commercial activity, making them prime seasons for malicious actors seeking to exploit unsuspecting individuals.

According to the CSA, there has been a surge in online fraud cases between January and March of this year, with a staggering total loss of approximately GHȼ2,404,161 reported in 194 cases.

The CSA is therefore urging the public to exercise caution and vigilance while engaging in online activities during this period.

The modus operandi of these cybercriminals includes various tactics aimed at deceiving and defrauding individuals:

• Online Shopping Scams: Scammers create counterfeit online stores or impersonate legitimate businesses on social media platforms, offering enticing discounts on goods. Victims are lured into making purchases and sending money, only to never receive the promised items.
• Brand Impersonation: Fraudsters establish fake business listings or profiles on platforms like Google Maps, mimicking reputable brands or businesses. They manipulate search results to divert traffic to their fraudulent listings, where victims are tricked into making payments for non-existent products or services.
• Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals send deceptive emails or messages posing as romantic partners or companies offering festive season deals. These messages contain malicious links or attachments designed to install malware on victims' devices or steal their personal information.

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To protect themselves from falling victim to these scams, the CSA recommends the following precautions:

1. Exercise caution when encountering unsolicited messages or offers that seem too good to be true.
2. Only use reputable online marketplaces or retailers with positive reviews and feedback.
3. Verify the legitimacy of businesses by cross-checking contact details on official websites or reliable sources.
4. Insist on making payments only after receiving and inspecting the goods, and ensure that mobile money payments are made to verified shop wallets.
5. Refrain from sharing sensitive personal information, such as Ghana card numbers or bank details, with unknown parties.

The CSA emphasises the importance of reporting cybercrimes promptly and provides a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact (PoC) for assistance.

Individuals can contact the CSA via phone or text - 292, WhatsApp - 050 160 3111, or Email – report@csa.gov.gh to report incidents or seek guidance on online security practices.