WhatsApp scams in Ghana: what sellers and buyers need to know in 2026

If you sell on WhatsApp in Ghana, scams hurt you twice: once when a fraudster targets you, and again when buyers stop trusting anyone who sells online. This guide covers the scams Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA) warned about in 2026, with its official numbers, and shows how an honest seller can prove they're real using MoMo and Paystack links.

The short answer: the CSA reported 352 cases of fake "investment" and online task scams in the first half of 2026, with losses of GHS 3,429,447, plus fake business profiles on search engines and maps, fake parcel-fee messages and banking malware spread through WhatsApp Web. As a seller, you win trust by using one fixed, named payment channel, never asking for codes or PINs, and making yourself easy to verify.

The four scams the CSA warned about in 2026

All the figures below come from the Cyber Security Authority's official CERT-GH alerts. Each one affects WhatsApp sellers and buyers in a slightly different way.

1. Fake "investments" and online tasks

According to CSA alert 45, in the first half of 2026 there were 352 cases and GHS 3,429,447 in losses. The scams use social media ads and mobile money, pretend to be subsidiaries of foreign companies (for example "Darazz", borrowing the name of Daraz) and change names often: the CSA lists "Darazz, Daily trade, Ghstore, KUKA, Edollar".

Why it matters to you: these schemes often recruit through WhatsApp groups with "earn daily by liking products" offers. If one gets posted in your group, remove it and the sender right away.

2. Fake business profiles on search engines and maps

CSA alert 44 (30 April 2026) reported 54 cases and GHS 266,195.00 in losses between 1 January and 26 April 2026 from fake business profiles on search engines and maps. A buyer searches for a shop, finds a fake listing with a scammer's number, and pays the wrong person.

Why it matters to you: if you have a physical shop or a known brand, someone can impersonate you. Tell customers clearly which number is yours and where to check it.

3. Fake delivery and parcel clearance fees

CSA alert 43 warns about SMS messages pretending to be a courier (for example Ghana Post) with a link to pay a fee to release a parcel, and notes that it grows "particularly during this festive season". Your buyers waiting for a delivery from you are exactly the people who fall for it.

4. Banking malware spread through WhatsApp Web

CSA alert 42 describes banking malware (Astaroth) sent as ZIP files over WhatsApp. It reads the contacts on WhatsApp Web and sends itself on automatically. For a seller with hundreds of customer contacts, one wrong click can spread it to all of them.

Report it: the CSA's official channels

The CSA takes reports through WhatsApp on 0501603111 and by email at report@csa.gov.gh, as listed in its alert. Pin these in your group so members know where to go.

🔒 *Safety rules in {GROUP NAME}*
• Our ONLY payment channel: {MOMO MERCHANT NAME / PAYMENT LINK NAME}
• We NEVER ask for your MoMo PIN, codes or a "clearance fee"
• We NEVER send ZIP files. Don't open them, even from friends
• "Earn daily" or investment offers are not allowed here
• Report scams to the Cyber Security Authority: WhatsApp 0501603111 · report@csa.gov.gh

How an honest seller proves they're real

Buyers in Ghana have heard of all of the above. Your job is to make checking you easy and paying you safe. Here's what works.

On MoMo, MTN describes Mobile Money as a service that "allows you to send and receive money, pay bills, receive money from abroad as well as access Loans and savings". Check MTN's official MoMo page for merchant options and fees. For cards, Paystack's help centre lists Ghana among the countries where registered businesses can use it, and Flutterwave lists Ghana too. WhatsApp itself does not process payments in Ghana.

Hi {NAME} 👋 Here's your order:
• {PRODUCT}, {SIZE/COLOUR}
• Price: GHS {PRICE} · Delivery: GHS {FEE} to {AREA}
• Delivery: {DAY}
• Pay via MoMo to *{MERCHANT NAME}* or by card here: {PAYMENT LINK}
I'll confirm once I see the payment on my side. I'll never ask you for your PIN or any extra fee 🙏

📦 {NAME}, your order is on its way with {RIDER/COMPANY}. Expected: {TIME}.
Reminder: there is NO extra fee to release your parcel. If you get an SMS asking you to pay one, it's a scam. Message me here instead.

Protect your own phone and group

1. 1
   Never open ZIP files from WhatsApp

   Even from a contact you know, as their phone may be infected. Call them to check.

2. 2
   Lock down the group

   Admins-only messages and clear rules about what can be posted. See our group rules template.

3. 3
   Log out of unknown WhatsApp Web sessions

   Check linked devices regularly and remove any you don't recognise.

4. 4
   Publish your official number everywhere

   So a fake map or search listing is easier to spot.

5. 5
   Confirm payments on your side

   Check your MoMo or payment dashboard, never only a screenshot.

If someone in your group gets scammed

Sooner or later a member will message you: "I paid someone and they disappeared." How you respond shows the whole group what kind of seller you are.

⚠️ *Scam alert*
Someone is messaging members pretending to be {WHO THEY PRETEND TO BE}, asking for {WHAT THEY ASK FOR}.
That is NOT us. Our only payment channel is {MERCHANT NAME / PAYMENT LINK NAME}.
If you've been targeted, report it to the Cyber Security Authority: WhatsApp 0501603111 · report@csa.gov.gh

Don't promise refunds you can't give for payments made to someone else, and don't try to "negotiate" with the scammer on the member's behalf. Your role is to inform, protect the group and point to the official channels.

Selling Jumia or Temu deals in Ghana

Jumia operates in Ghana, and its Black Friday 2025 update reported that Ghanaian orders grew 81% and GMV 132%. Temu also has a Ghana site. If you share deals from big platforms, always link to the official site so buyers pay the platform directly, never you. Our guide to Jumia JForce vs. affiliate links explains what Jumia offers sellers today.

For a well-run group from day one, see how to create a WhatsApp deals group, and to keep your number safe, what to do if your WhatsApp account is restricted.