Scam verification platform TrustGH has revealed that TikTok is the most prominent channel linked to fraudulent activities in Ghana, with nearly half of over 6,000 reported telephone numbers traced to the app. The findings, drawn from community reports and open-source intelligence, underscore the growing exploitation of social media and messaging platforms by fraudsters to target unsuspecting victims.
WhatsApp and SMS also account for a significant share of cases, while other scams have been traced to Facebook, phone calls, Google Business Profiles, and fake websites. According to TrustGH, most schemes rely on social engineering, with perpetrators impersonating bank officials, government representatives, police officers, recruiters, executives, and legitimate business owners.
More than 90% of reported incidents involved attempts to secure Mobile Money payments or gain unauthorised access to victims’ accounts. Fraudsters often advertise fake products or services on TikTok, then shift conversations to WhatsApp, SMS, or phone calls to finalise the scam. Recurring methods include fake online shops, recruitment schemes, lottery scams, fraudulent business profiles, and phishing attempts.
TrustGH says it is working with the Cybersecurity Authority and the Ghana Police Service’s Cyber Crime Unit to combat these activities and support investigations. The public is encouraged to verify and report suspicious numbers via TrustGH.com.
