The Cyber Security Authority of Ghana has disclosed in a press release that over GH¢124,000 has been lost in 15 reported job scams. The fraudulent schemes that led to the loss were advertised for job recruitment in the country.
Over GH¢124000 lost from 15 reported Job scams – How They Operate and Scam Job Seekers
In a press statement, the CSA explained that the scammers employed a sophisticated modus operandi by posing as recruiters and flooding the public with unsolicited messages via SMS, emails, and other messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
These messages lure unsuspecting individuals with promises of high-paying remote or part-time job opportunities involving digital tasks such as liking social media posts and providing referrals.
The victims, according to the CSA, initially enticed with relatively low payments for completed tasks, soon found themselves trapped in the scam.
After making initial cash deposits, they are promised more lucrative tasks, only to be eventually locked out of their accounts, preventing any contact with the scammers and leaving them without the anticipated large payouts.
“If it seems too good to be true, it is likely a scam,” the statement warned.
Additionally, the CSA urged citizens to exercise caution with unsolicited job messages, be skeptical of high-paying jobs requiring minimal effort, and verify job advertisements directly through official company channels.
READ: Close to 800,000 Ghanaians scammed by Pacminer, other lost over GHS90,000
Will this news on GH¢124000 lost from 15 reported Job scams be a wake up call to Ghanaians?
In a related development, there has been an increase in Ponzi schemes on the internet, which have been described by the criminals behind them as investments. Between December 23rd and December 27th, over 800,000 Ghanaians lost millions of Ghana cedis to one of such investment schemes called Pacminer. In the Pacminer case, individuals lost between GHS300 and GHS100,000 when the syndicate disappeared with their principal invested and earnings accruing to the investors.
READ: Pastor drugged to court over $32,084 visa fraud
Such investment schemes have been on the increase, and the syndicates behind them are taking advantage of unsuspecting Ghanaians and the laxity in the laws of the country regarding the operations of such businesses.