Cyber security warns public of Valentine’s day cyber scams

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a public alert warning Ghanaians to be vigilant against common online scams targeting individuals during the Valentine’s Day season.

In a series of advisories, the Authority outlined several fraudulent schemes and provided guidance on how to avoid falling victim.

Among the identified threats are romance scams, where malicious actors create fake online profiles to build trusting relationships and subsequently request money or personal information. The CSA advised the public to be wary of unsolicited messages from supposed romantic partners and to avoid sharing sensitive details.

The Authority also highlighted brand impersonation scams, in which fraudsters create fake business profiles on platforms like Google Maps to divert customers. Victims are often blocked after making payments. The CSA urged the public to verify contact details through official websites and check user reviews before transacting.

Additionally, phishing scams involving unsolicited messages offering Valentine’s deals were flagged. These messages may contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal personal information or install malware. The CSA cautioned against deals that appear “too good to be true.”