In Ghana, a troubling trend has emerged as the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) issues a stark warning about the rise in cyberbullying incidents linked to digital lending mobile applications. As of 2024, the CSA has documented 130 reports detailing how users have fallen victim to predatory practices facilitated through these apps.
Upon installation, these apps automatically credit users’ mobile money wallets with small amounts, often less than GHS 200, without any loan request. Within a week, fraudsters begin their coercive tactics, demanding repayment of fictitious loans at exorbitant interest rates. They resort to threats of exposing private photos or falsely accusing victims of criminal activities on social media.
What exacerbates this situation is that some victims continue to face harassment even after complying with the demands. This highlights a flagrant disregard for ethical conduct by the app operators.
Among the identified apps perpetrating these abuses are Ahomka Loan, Antcredit, Beanloan, and others. These apps not only violate Ghana’s Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930), as stipulated by the Bank of Ghana (BOG), but also fail to meet compliance requirements mandated by the Data Protection Commission (DPC). This negligence compromises user data, including personally identifiable information (PII) such as Ghana card IDs.
The CSA strongly advises against using these unregulated apps, emphasizing their lack of BOG sanction and adherence to data protection protocols. Users who engage with these services are at risk of financial exploitation and potential privacy breaches.
For those affected or seeking assistance regarding cybercrimes, the CSA operates a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact (POC). Victims can reach out via call or text to 292, WhatsApp at 0501603111, or email report@csa.gov.gh.
The CSA’s alert underscores the critical importance of digital vigilance and regulatory compliance in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats. It calls for heightened oversight and public awareness to protect Ghana’s digital ecosystem from exploitation and abuse.