The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has warned Ghanaians not to take, store or share nude images or videos of themselves on electronic devices, as these could be used by cybercriminals for blackmail and sextortion.
“Avoid sharing intimate content with strangers online, even if they seem trustworthy. Keep social media accounts private, and limit who can view your content. Also avoid capturing or storing nude images or videos of yourself on any device,” the Cyber Security Authority warned.
In a public alert on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, the CSA expressed concern over the increasing use of online blackmail tactics, with financial losses from sextortion cases rising significantly from GH¢103,663 between January and April 2024 to GH¢499,044 during the same period in 2025.
The CSA explained that cybercriminals often create fake social media profiles with attractive images to trick people into romantic or flirtatious conversations. Once trust is built, the criminals pressure their victims into sharing intimate content or taking part in explicit video calls, which are secretly recorded without permission.
The stolen content is then used to blackmail the victim, who is threatened with having the material exposed publicly unless a ransom is paid, usually through mobile money. The CSA emphasized that paying the ransom does not guarantee that the content will be deleted, and in many cases, the criminals continue to demand more money or make further threats.
Victims are advised to stop all communication with the blackmailers immediately. The CSA also stressed that paying the ransom only encourages more extortion and does not ensure the removal of the compromising content.
The CSA encourages victims to keep all evidence, including screenshots, usernames, URLs, messages, and any payment requests, and to report the case to the Authority. It also recommends that victims seek support from trusted family members or professional counselors.
Read the full statement below:
Surge in Online Blackmail/Sextortion Cases
- Background
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has reported an increase in financial losses linked to online blackmail and sextortion. The CSA recorded 155 reported cases between January and April 2024, with associated losses of GH¢103,663. An updated analysis covering January to April 2025 indicates a slight increase in reported cases but a significant rise in financial losses, reaching GH¢499,044. The data points to increasingly sophisticated methods being employed by cybercriminals and highlights the growing economic impact of such incidents.
- Modus Operandi
The threat actors usually create fake social media profiles using attractive photos to lure victims, often pretending to be someone looking for romantic relationships.
* After gaining the victim’s trust, they initiate explicit video calls or solicit private photos.
These sessions are secretly recorded or saved without the victim’s consent. They then threaten to release the compromising materials unless a ransom is paid, usually via mobile money. In some cases, even after payment is made, the threats continue or escalate.
Threat actors then move conversations to encrypted platforms (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal) to reduce traceability.
3.0.Recommendations
* Avoid accepting friend requests from unknown individuals.
* Be cautious of quickly progressing online relationships, particularly those requesting intimate content. Never share such content.
* Avoid sharing intimate content with strangers online, even if they seem trustworthy.
Keep social media accounts private, and limit who can view your content.
* Avoid capturing or storing nude images or videos of yourself on any device.
Immediately cease all communication with the threat actors should you fall victim.
* Do not pay any ransom, it encourages repeated demands and does not guarantee deletion of the content.
* Preserve all evidence, take screenshots, record usernames, URLs, messages, and payment demand.
* Report incident to the CSA and inform a trusted family member or counselor for emotional support.
The CSA has a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Points of Contact (PoC) for reporting cybercrimes and receiving guidance and clarification on suspected scams. Contact us via Call or Text – 292, WhatsApp – 0501603111, or Email – report@csa.gov.gh.
Issued by the Cyber Security Authority
May 02, 2025
Ref: CSA/CERT/MPA/2025-05/01
