The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is encouraging Ghanaians to report suspicious online investment platforms or simply ask the authority to verify them before committing their money, saying a simple enquiry from the public can provide the first clue needed to uncover a fraudulent operation.
Mr Stephen Cudjoe-Seshie, Deputy Director-General in charge of Technical Operations at the CSA, told The High Street Journal that public reports are an important starting point for investigations into scams operating through websites, social media and other digital channels.
He explained that even people who are uncertain about an investment platform do not have to wait until they lose money before contacting the authority.
Instead, they can seek verification when they first encounter an opportunity they are unsure about, allowing the CSA to establish whether the platform warrants further investigation.
According to Mr.Cudjoe-Seshie, the authority carries out its own monitoring of the digital space, but its ability to identify a particular scam can be strengthened when members of the public provide information about platforms or activities they encounter.
He said a report or verification request can provide the information needed for the authority to begin examining a platform, its activities, and the claims it makes to potential customers or investors.
The CSA’s approach means that reporting is not limited to people who have already lost money.
Mr.Cudjoe-Seshie said the authority also receives enquiries from people who simply want to know whether something they have encountered online is legitimate.
“You see something, you’re not so sure. Just tell us. We’ll take a look at it,” he said.
He said early verification could prevent people from becoming victims in the first place, particularly as fraudulent operators use websites, social media, and other digital channels to create the appearance of legitimate businesses.
“Then at least you would have avoided falling for it,” he said.
Mr.Cudjoe-Seshie also warned against treating information found online as automatically credible, saying users need to independently verify businesses, contact details, and other information before acting on them.
“You can’t take everything at face value,” he said.
He specifically pointed to online searches, where users may assume that a business appearing prominently in search results is necessarily legitimate.
According to him, fraudulent operators can manipulate online visibility and impersonate genuine businesses, making independent verification highly important.
The same concern applies to businesses that operate entirely online, where customers may have little physical contact with the people behind a platform before making payments.
For the CSA, public awareness is therefore an important part of reducing the impact of online fraud.
Mr Cudjoe-Seshie said the authority continues to promote its reporting channels, including the 292 call or SMS service, [email protected], and 0501603111, because not every suspicious activity can be detected immediately through its own monitoring systems.
He also stressed that tackling online fraud requires cooperation between regulators, the media, technology platforms, and the public.
“We need the whole ecosystem. We need to work together,” he said.
A platform’s website, social-media presence, positive reviews, or prominent position in search results should not by themselves be treated as proof of legitimacy. Where there is uncertainty, contacting the relevant authority can provide an additional layer of protection before money is transferred.
