The Cyber Security Authority says it has observed a surge in online impersonation.
The Authority explains that after its active intelligence on social media in the month of June, it found out that the fake profiles of government appointees and other persons of influence are being used to sway online users to make fraudulent investments or to pay fees for non-existing contracts.
In the first half of this year alone it is estimated that over 900 cases of online scam and its related activities were reported.
As a part of efforts to protect the unsuspecting public the cyber security authority is asking the general public to avoiding dealing with non-verified profiles online.
In a public alert the authority says Impersonation targets include Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, other persons of influence; and institutions like the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Police service, the National Lottery Authority, and companies like Dzata Cement and Awake Limited.
It added that activities related to this scam include; promotion of fraudulent investments, loan scams, gambling fraud, Government agent scam (award of non-existing contracts, grants, and scholarships), fake recruitment offers, solicitation of funds and online service fraud.
In view of this the Cyber Security Authority is urging the general public to be wary of such accounts when transacting business online.
The public and especially social media users are advised to note that “Genuine Government officials will not contact anyone via social media to offer them jobs. Also It is important to verify before you accept friend requests and engage public figures and influential people; someone may have stolen their identity”. the statement said.
Speaking on the Pulse with Blessed Sogah, the Deputy Manager of the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) at the Cyber Security Authority says the general public should make use of the Emergency response center number 929 in case one is suspicious of any transaction.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
Spectacular photos from the Paris 2024 opening ceremony
4 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
4 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
5 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
5 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
5 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
6 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
6 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
6 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
6 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
7 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
7 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
8 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
8 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
9 hours