Blackmail, Sextortion losses near GH¢500,000 in early 2025 – CSA

Financial losses from online blackmail and sextortion in Ghana have reached GH¢499,044. This figure is for the first four months of 2025. It is a significant increase from GH¢103,663 in the same period last year.

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) reported this data. They noted a slight rise in cases reported between January and April 2025. Last year, there were 155 documented cases during this time.

Perpetrators often use fake social media accounts to lure victims. These accounts usually feature attractive profile images. After building trust, they manipulate victims into sharing explicit content for extortion.

Victims are typically forced to pay ransoms via mobile money. They face threats that compromising images will be posted online if they do not comply. However, the CSA warns that payments often do not stop the blackmail.

In many instances, victims continue to receive threats even after paying. To avoid detection, attackers shift conversations to encrypted platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.

The CSA urges the public to stay vigilant. They recommend avoiding engagement with unfamiliar online profiles. Never share intimate content online and report suspicious activity through their support channels.