CSA Reports 254% Surge in Online Blackmail Cases in Early 2024; GHS 112,209 Lost To Online Blackmail
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has reported a staggering 254% increase in online blackmail cases in the first two months of the year.
A total of 226 cases were reported from January to June, leading to financial losses amounting to GHC112,209.
Criminals are leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok to connect with victims before shifting conversations to WhatsApp.
Once there, they manipulate individuals into participating in explicit video calls, which are secretly recorded.
In some instances, blackmailers initiate unsolicited video calls to capture victims’ faces, later using these recordings to create fake explicit content.
They might also share explicit images (often not of themselves) to encourage victims to reciprocate, only to later use the material for extortion.
The CSA also highlighted a disturbing trend where criminals access victims’ phones during repairs to steal explicit content.
In response, the CSA has advised the public to be cautious of rapidly developing online relationships, especially those involving requests for intimate content. They strongly recommend against sharing such material to protect oneself from potential blackmail.
Read details of statement below:
