The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has taken a bold step in protecting Ghanaians from digital exploitation, by blacklisting over 40 loan applications found to be operating illegally and engaging in unethical practices.
The unregulated digital lending apps according to a statement from CSA has seen to the rise in cyberbullying, harassment, and blackmail, adding that, it received 377 complaints relating to such digital lending platforms, a significant jump from 228 cases reported in all of 2024.
The apps which CSA says have become increasingly popular, especially among young people and low-income earners seeking quick cash solutions are neither licensed by the Bank of Ghana nor registered with the Data Protection Commission, a clear violation of the country’s cybersecurity and data protection laws.
Among them are Miniloan, Devtage Loan, mix loan, ozzy money-cash, Plus Cash Arrow, Cash Arrow, FundsCredit, Lever Credit, Getloan and Upper Loan, Kcash, Bestloan, Gcash, DaraLoan, Loanbase, Taploan, Gh Loans, Sune Loans, Urgent money, Sparkloan, Skyloan, Loancloudgh, and Pea money among others.
“These apps operate without legal backing and often disregard consumer protection laws. Engaging with them exposes users to serious risks, including data breaches, harassment, and financial loss,” the CSA warned in an official statement.
The CSA further advised users to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any loan service before engaging with it.
Users are also encouraged to read app permissions carefully before installation, especially when granting access to contacts, media, and other personal data.
As part of its public protection measures, the Authority has activated its 24-hour cyber incident response platform, through which victims or concerned users can report suspicious digital activity.
This move comes as part of a broader national campaign to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and crack down on digital financial crimes.
The CSA reiterated its commitment to building a safe digital ecosystem for all Ghanaians and called on the media, civil society, and the public to support efforts to identify and expose cyber threats.
Ghanaians are urged to remain vigilant and avoid interacting with loan apps not regulated by the Bank of Ghana or listed under approved financial service providers. The CSA assured of working with other relevant institutions to remove these apps and hold developers accountable.
