Ghanaians lost an estimated $1.3 million to mobile money fraud during the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the growing threat of cyber-enabled financial crime in the country, according to the INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026.
The report identifies Ghana among several African countries experiencing a rise in mobile money-related fraud as cybercriminals increasingly exploit digital payment platforms to target unsuspecting users.
According to INTERPOL, mobile money fraud is now the most prevalent online scam across Africa, with 97% of member countries that responded to its cybercrime survey identifying it as a significant threat.
Criminals typically rely on fake messages, SIM-swap attacks, fake promotional offers and other social engineering tactics to gain access to victims’ mobile wallets and steal funds.
“Mobile money fraud has emerged as the most prevalent online scam reported by member countries,” the report stated.
It noted that the rapid expansion of digital financial services has created new opportunities for cybercriminals.
The report also identifies Kenya as one of the countries most affected by mobile money fraud.
In 2025, authorities discovered more than 123,000 fraudulent SIM cards linked to SIM-swap scams. Criminals use these scams to take control of people’s mobile money accounts and carry out unauthorised transactions.
INTERPOL also warned that advances in artificial intelligence are making online scams harder to detect.
Fraudsters are using AI-generated messages, cloned voices and other deceptive tactics to trick people into sharing sensitive financial information or approving fraudulent transactions.
To address the growing threat, the report calls for closer collaboration among law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and telecommunications companies.
It also recommends stronger public awareness campaigns and enhanced cybersecurity measures to better protect users of digital financial services across Africa.