Online extortion amounts to almost half a million Ghanaian cedis in Ghana during the initial half of 2025
In the digital age, cybercrime continues to pose a significant threat, and Ghana is no exception. According to a recent report by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the country has seen a concerning rise in online blackmail and sextortion cases.
In the first four months of 2025, Ghanaians lost a staggering GH¢499,044 to these nefarious activities, a near fivefold increase from the GH¢103,663 recorded during the same period in 2024.
The CSA attributes this surge to the evolving strategies employed by cybercriminals. They are now using social engineering, exploiting trust, and even AI-driven deepfake technology to lure victims into compromising situations. Deepfakes—AI-generated realistic fake images, videos, or voice recordings—are particularly used to fabricate explicit content for extortion, amplifying fear and coercion.
Cybercriminals are using various platforms, including encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, to evade tracking. They gain victims' trust, obtain compromising material, and then threaten exposure to extort money or favors.
To protect themselves, the public in Ghana is urged to adopt careful online behaviors. The CSA advises against sharing intimate content online or with untrusted contacts. Maintaining strict privacy settings on social media accounts is also crucial.
Being cautious of unsolicited friend requests or romantic advances online that lead to requests for explicit material is equally important. If such situations arise, the CSA encourages reporting sextortion attempts to authorities or trusted support organisations such as the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, which offers a dedicated helpline (+233 54 595 7408).
Increasing awareness about AI threats like deepfakes and verifying any suspicious communications or requests is another vital step. Using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication can also reduce the risk of account hijacking.
The CSA warns that sending money does not stop the blackmail. Many victims continue to face threats even after paying the demanded amount. This underscores the importance of seeking psychological and legal support promptly if targeted, as sextortion starts with trust and ends in fear but assistance is available.
As cybercriminals refine their tactics, particularly through fake romantic relationships on social media, the public is urged to stay informed about emerging cybersecurity threats. By adopting these precautions and leveraging trusted support channels, we can reduce our vulnerability to online blackmail and sextortion.
Technology and cybersecurity are crucial topics in the general-news today, especially in light of the increasing cybercrime threats, such as online blackmail and sextortion, in Ghana. To combat this rise, the public is encouraged to be cautious online, maintain privacy, and report sextortion attempts to authorities or trusted organizations like the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation. Meanwhile, staying informed about AI threats like deepfakes and verifying all suspicious communications are equally important for personal cybersecurity.
