The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a critical warning to the public about the increased risk of scams around Valentine’s Day, a time traditionally associated with showing love and affection through gifts.
According to the CSA, malicious cyber actors are exploiting the season, leading to substantial financial losses with victims reporting losses exceeding GH₵ 3,558,940 due to online shopping and romance scams in 2023 alone.
The CSA’s alert outlines several common fraudulent practices that have been observed, urging the public to exercise caution.
Among these, shopping fraud is prevalent, where scammers create fake websites or impersonate existing businesses on social media, offering enticing deals that never materialize. Brand impersonation is another tactic, with fraudsters creating false listings to divert customers from legitimate businesses.
Phishing scams also pose a significant threat, with attackers sending messages or emails purporting to offer Valentine’s Day deals or pretending to be a romantic partner. These communications often contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal personal information or install malware.
Romance scams are particularly insidious, with cybercriminals fabricating online profiles to exploit individuals seeking romantic connections. Victims are manipulated into sending money, personal, and financial information under the guise of a trusting relationship.
To avoid these scams, the CSA recommends measures including skepticism towards deals that seem too good to be true, using reputable online marketplaces, verifying business contact details through official websites rather than search engine results, and being cautious of unsolicited romantic or financial requests.
“Valentine’s Day should be a time of joy and celebration, not financial loss and heartache,” CSA’s public notice said. “We urge everyone to remain vigilant and to verify the legitimacy of any online deals or romantic gestures that involve financial transactions or sharing of personal information.”
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities or seek guidance from the CSA’s 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact.