The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has raised alarm over a growing wave of online blackmail and sextortion cases, revealing that victims lost nearly half a million Ghana cedis in the first four months of 2025 alone.

According to CSA, 155 cases were reported between January and April 2024, resulting in financial losses amounting to GH¢103,663.

However, it said that updated figures from January to April 2025 show a slight rise in reported cases but a dramatic increase in financial losses, which now stand at GH¢499,044.

The Authority stated that the sharp rise in losses points to increasingly sophisticated techniques being employed by cybercriminals and a deeper economic impact on victims.

The CSA noted that cybercriminals often create fake social media accounts using attractive profile photos to pose as individuals seeking romantic relationships.

It said that once trust is established, they initiate explicit video calls or request private photos from their victims.

"These sessions are secretly recorded or saved without the victim’s consent. They then threaten to release the compromising materials unless a ransom is paid, usually via mobile money.

"In some cases, even after payment is made, the threats continue or escalate. Threat actors then move conversations to encrypted platforms (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal) to reduce traceability," part of the statement read.

The CSA further stated that this growing trend poses both a psychological and financial burden on victims, saying that those targeted are left traumatised and uncertain about how to seek help, while others lose significant sums of money in their attempt to stop the blackmail.

The authority has urged victims to immediately cease all communication with the blackmailers and avoid paying any ransom, as it does not guarantee the deletion of the material and often leads to further demands.

The CSA also recommended that victims preserve all evidence, such as screenshots, usernames, URLs, messages, and payment details, and report the incident for investigation.

The Authority emphasised the importance of vigilance when interacting with unknown individuals online, particularly those who quickly steer conversations toward intimate exchanges.

It also advised against the sharing or storage of nude or explicit content on any device. In addition to reporting to the CSA, victims are encouraged to confide in trusted family members or seek support from counsellors, given the emotional toll such crimes can inflict.