Anti-Fraud Expert and Fraud Examiner Isaac Obour has warned that cybercrime has become a major and growing threat, driven by the rapid shift to digital transactions and increased reliance on internet-based systems.
Speaking on JoyNews AM Show on Wednesday, April 1, he said the scale and complexity of cybercrime make it a critical issue that requires urgent public attention and understanding.
“Cybercrime is a very big thing, a very big term,” he explained, noting that it covers “any crime that is committed through… any computer system or network or any related tools.”
He linked the surge in cyber-related fraud to the growing use of mobile phones, computers and online platforms for everyday transactions, stressing that convenience has come at a cost.
“As we move to convenience, everything becomes online… and it is making this fraud and cybercrime a very big issue,” he said.
Mr Obour broke down cybercrime into two main categories cyber-enabled crimes and cyber-dependent crimes to help clarify the discussion. He explained that cyber-enabled crimes are traditional offences, such as fraud, that have been amplified by technology, while cyber-dependent crimes, including hacking and ransomware, can only occur through digital systems.
According to him, fraud remains the most visible and measurable form of cybercrime in Africa, particularly scams such as romance fraud and business email compromise (BEC).
Citing global data, he noted that international bodies like Interpol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation continue to track these trends, with recent assessments painting a worrying picture for the continent.
“Business email compromise is at the top when you talk of figures,” he said, explaining how fraudsters intercept business communications and redirect payments. He added that while Africans are often not the direct victims in such large-scale schemes, they are frequently linked to receiving the proceeds.
However, he pointed out that within Africa, individuals and businesses are heavily affected by cyber-enabled fraud in areas such as e-commerce and mobile money transactions.
“That is where we are really suffering,” he said, highlighting the vulnerability of users as digital financial services expand across the continent.
Mr Obour also stressed that cybercrime is not limited to technical attacks but includes psychological manipulation tactics such as phishing, where users are tricked into revealing sensitive information.
To address the growing threat, he called for a layered approach to cybersecurity, combining technical safeguards like encryption and firewalls with better user habits, including multi-factor authentication and regular software updates.
He further urged victims to report incidents promptly to authorities such as the Ghana Police Service Cyber Crime Unit, while preserving digital evidence to support investigations and possible prosecution.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com