The public has been advised by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) to use caution and due diligence when engaging in online activities, with a focus on shopping, particularly in preparation for Valentine’s Day.
The CSA cautioned the public in a press release dated Wednesday, February 7, 2024, to avoid “too good to be true” deals and packages and to only buy gifts from reliable online marketplaces or retailers.
That was because, even though Valentine’s Day is a day for people to express their love to one another by sending gifts or things bearing messages of affection, dishonest cybercriminals also take advantage of the holiday to deceive gullible people by using a variety of ruses.
“Online shopping and romance scams accounted for at least GH¢ 3,558,940 of the total losses recorded for 2023,” the report revealed.
According to the CSA, these thieves fabricate websites or online stores, pose as legitimate companies on social media, and sell drastically reduced goods and packages.
After that, victims are tricked into sending money for these goods, which they either never receive or get in poor condition.
It was also mentioned that some people impersonate real companies or brands on Google Maps by creating phony business listings or profiles with their contact information.
The statement went on to say that they would then manipulate search engine optimization (SEO) results for the targeted brand to direct genuine queries to their phone numbers.
“The scammers prevent the gullible victims from contacting them again after they interact and pay (often through a mobile money wallet) for items, and the anticipated delivery does not occur,” the statement emphasized.
It went on to say that some of these nefarious individuals carry out romance scams, tricking victims into thinking they are in a reliable relationship by fabricating false online personas.
They then take advantage of their connection to convince the victims to send money, divulge financial and personal details, or make purchases on their behalf.
In particular, around Valentine’s Day, the CSA encouraged internet shoppers to check for reviews and customer feedback before making any purchases.
“Search engines can show manipulated or misleading results, even though they offer easy access to information. Instead of depending only on search engine results, double-check the contact details of stores by visiting their official websites or consulting trustworthy sources, it stated.
In addition, the statement advised the public to be wary of overly dramatic Valentine’s Day advertisements, particularly on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram, and to always request a physical address for verification.
The Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact (PoC) for the CSA is available around the clock for reporting cybercrimes and for getting advice and support regarding online activities. It further stated, “Call or text -292, WhatsApp – 050 160 3111, email – [email protected].”
