The Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) is issuing a public warning against sharing Ghana card, Visa card, or debit card details with individuals posing as bank staff on digital platforms like WhatsApp or email.
To prevent fraud and scams, bank customers are advised not to share images revealing bank account details or identity numbers.
GAB emphasizes that individuals should never send pictures of their Ghana Card or bank cards via WhatsApp to anyone claiming to be from their bank. If in doubt, customers are urged to contact their bank or Relationship Manager directly.
This cautionary message aligns with the Bank of Ghana’s directive for banks to enhance cybersecurity measures to combat fraudulent activities in the banking industry.
“Never send a picture of your Ghana Card or any of your bank’s cards, such as debit, Visa, and Mastercard, via WhatsApp to anyone purporting to be from your bank. If in doubt, contact your bank or Relationship Manager directly,” the Association stated.
While banks assure the public of increased security, GAB stresses the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of unfamiliar incidents.
The warning from GAB coincides with the Cyber Security Advisory (CSA) addressing the rise in online employment scams, leading to losses exceeding GHS 120,000 through fraudulent transactions.
The CSA advises caution when encountering job postings or part-time roles offering unrealistically high salaries for minimal work, as these could be scams.
Recent reports also highlight an online investment scheme called Pacminer defrauding close to 800,000 Ghanaians, resulting in losses exceeding GHC 90,000. The victims are urged to report such incidents promptly.