Americans lost at least USD 2.1 billion (~GHS 23.3 billion at April 2026 rates) to social media scams in 2025. That’s eight times more than in 2020. But here’s what matters for you: the same tricks are happening right now on Ghanaian WhatsApp groups, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram.
What kinds of social media scams are hitting people?
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found three main types of scams:
- Investment scams: Posts or ads promising to teach you how to invest. Someone messages you claiming they know a “secret” way to make money fast. You send money. They vanish.
- Shopping scams: Fake ads for cheap phones, clothes, or electronics that link to unfamiliar websites. You pay and never receive the goods.
- Romance scams: Someone builds a relationship with you online over weeks or months, then asks for money for an “emergency” or to travel to meet you.
Most of these scams started on Facebook, with WhatsApp and Instagram close behind. All three are owned by Meta.
Why should Ghanaians worry?
Ghanaians use WhatsApp and Facebook daily to chat, share business deals, and send money via MTN MoMo or other mobile platforms. Scammers know this.
A common pattern here: a friend-of-a-friend message on WhatsApp says “I’m investing in forex and made GHS 5,000 last week. My broker is legit. Join my group.” You join. They ask for a small upfront fee. You never see returns or your money again.
Another: Facebook ads for cheap iPhones or Nike shoes. You click. A convincing website appears. You transfer money via MoMo. The item never arrives.
How to protect yourself
Before you invest or buy anything online:
- Search the company or person’s name plus the word “scam” or “complaint” in Google.
- Ask yourself: Would a real investment require me to send money first to someone I’ve never met in person?
- If a deal sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.
- Never let someone you’ve only met online tell you where to put your money.
- Check if the website looks professional and has real contact details (not just a WhatsApp number).
On social media:
- Limit who can see your posts. Scammers use personal details (your job, location, family names) to target you.
- Be suspicious of unsolicited messages offering money-making schemes.
- Don’t share your Ghana Card number, account details, or MoMo PIN with anyone online, no matter what they claim.
What should you do right now?
Watch out for these red flags in your WhatsApp groups and Facebook feed: promises of quick money, pressure to decide fast, requests to “invest small to start,” or strangers who become overly friendly then ask for cash.
If you spot a scam ad on Facebook or WhatsApp, report it to the platform. If you’ve already lost money, report it to the police and the National Cyber Security Centre.
Stay alert. The money you save is your own.
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