The $1.3m mobile money scam: Why Ghana is losing the fight against cyber fraud
An estimated $1.3m was stolen from Ghanaians through mobile money fraud in the first quarter of 2025, according to a new INTERPOL report, which warns that artificial intelligence is making online scams harder to detect and easier to execute.
The INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026 identifies Ghana as one of several African countries experiencing growing losses from mobile money scams, describing the crime as the continent's most widespread form of online fraud.
The findings come as millions of Ghanaians rely on mobile money for everyday transactions, from paying bills and school fees to receiving salaries and sending money to relatives.
According to the report, fraudsters are exploiting the rapid growth of digital financial services by using phishing messages, SIM-swap attacks, fake promotions and other forms of social engineering to gain access to victims' mobile wallets.
INTERPOL said 97% of African countries that responded to its member survey identified mobile money fraud as a major cybercrime threat.
"Mobile money fraud has emerged as the most prevalent online scam reported by member countries," the report said, warning that expanding digital payment systems have created lucrative opportunities for organised criminal networks.
The agency also warned that advances in artificial intelligence are making online scams more convincing than ever.
Criminals are increasingly using AI-generated messages and voice-cloning technology to impersonate trusted individuals or institutions, persuading victims to disclose security codes, passwords or approve fraudulent transactions.
The report highlights Kenya as another country heavily affected by the trend. Authorities there detected more than 123,000 fraudulent SIM cards in 2025 linked to SIM-swap fraud, a technique that enables criminals to hijack victims' phone numbers, intercept one-time passwords and access financial accounts.
INTERPOL said cybercriminals are increasingly operating across borders, making it more difficult for individual countries to investigate and disrupt fraud networks.
The organisation urged governments, financial institutions and telecommunications companies to strengthen cooperation, improve cybersecurity systems and invest in public education campaigns to help users recognise evolving scam tactics.
The warning comes as mobile money continues to drive financial inclusion across Africa, but experts say its growing popularity is also attracting increasingly sophisticated criminal groups seeking to exploit weaknesses in digital payment systems.
For millions of Ghanaians who depend on their mobile phones to manage their finances, the report serves as a reminder that convenience increasingly comes with cyber risks.