The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a cautionary advisory, urging the public to exercise vigilance and due diligence in their online activities during Valentine’s Day.
The advisory, released on February 7, highlighted the potential for malicious cyber actors to defraud individuals through various schemes during the celebration.
“Valentine’s Day is an occasion when people show their affection for others by sending gifts or items with messages of love. Malicious cyber actors also use the celebration to defraud unsuspecting victims through various schemes. Of the total losses recorded for 2023, at least GHC 3,558,940 was lost through online shopping and romance scams. The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is by this alert reminding the public to exercise caution and due diligence in their online activities,” it said.
“Use a reputable online marketplace or retailer when purchasing Valentine’s Day gifts. Look for reviews and customer feedback before making an online purchase,” it added.
“Also, check user reviews for hints on the reputation of the contact,” it added.
According to the CSA, the occasion is exploited by cybercriminals who use deceptive methods to scam unsuspecting victims. In 2023, the recorded losses amounted to at least GHC 3,558,940, with online shopping and romance scams being the primary channels for these losses.
The public is advised to be wary of “too good to be true” deals on Valentine’s Day packages or gifts and to utilize reputable online marketplaces or retailers.
Recommendations include checking reviews and customer feedback before making online purchases. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to validate contact details of shops through official websites or reliable sources rather than solely relying on search engine results.
The CSA also warned against fake online shops and exaggerated advertisements, particularly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.
To verify the legitimacy of a business, individuals are advised to request a physical location, insist on payment after delivery and inspection, and be cautious of unsolicited messages or emails from alleged romantic partners requesting money or sensitive information.
The public is further reminded not to share personal information, such as Ghana card numbers, credit card details, or bank account information, and to ensure that mobile money payments are made to wallets in the name of the online shop in question.
