The Cybersecurity Authority (CSA) has issued a warning to the public about increased risks of online scams during the Valentine’s Day period on Saturday, February 14, 2026, highlighting the need for vigilance when engaging in online transactions or digital communications.
According to the Authority, scammers exploit the season to target unsuspecting individuals through various forms of fraud, with malicious actors creating sophisticated schemes that leverage emotional vulnerability and time pressure associated with the celebration.
The CSA identified brand impersonation scams as a significant threat, in which malicious actors create fake business listings or profiles with their contact details on Google Maps mimicking legitimate businesses or brands. These actors use search engine optimization techniques to manipulate search results and divert inquiries to their own contact numbers, causing victims to make payments only to find themselves blocked and unable to contact the legitimate business.
Phishing scams represent another major concern, with malicious actors sending unsolicited emails or messages claiming to be from a romantic partner or a company offering Valentine’s Day deals. These messages contain links or attachments that, when clicked, install malicious software or steal personal information such as passwords, bank details, or other sensitive data.
Romance scams, highlighted by the CSA as particularly devastating, involve creating fake online profiles to deceive victims into believing they are engaging in a trusting relationship. Scammers use these profiles to persuade individuals to send money, provide personal and financial information, or purchase items on their behalf. Victims are often left financially and emotionally vulnerable, with limited recourse to recover losses.
The Authority noted that of the total losses recorded for 2023, at least GH₵3,558,940 was lost through online shopping and romance scams. The figure underscores the financial impact of cybercrime during festive periods when emotional decision making and time pressure create optimal conditions for fraud.
Shopping fraud has also been identified as a prevalent threat, with malicious actors creating fake websites or online shops or impersonating existing businesses on social media, offering heavily discounted packages and items. Victims are enticed to send money for these items which they never receive, or they receive in substandard forms.
The CSA advised that vigilance and precaution are critical during this period. Individuals are encouraged to verify the authenticity of online sellers and service providers, avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers online, and refrain from clicking on links or attachments from unverified sources.
The Authority specifically warned against sharing personal information such as Ghana Card numbers, credit card information, or bank account details with anyone. The CSA emphasized that mobile money payments should only be made to wallets in the name of the online shop with which consumers are dealing.
Director of the Currency Department at CSA emphasized the importance of using reputable online marketplaces or retailers when purchasing Valentine’s Day gifts. The Authority recommends looking for reviews and customer feedback before making online purchases and being cautious of too good to be true deals on Valentine’s Day packages or gifts.
The warning aligns with international cybersecurity trends. Check Point Research identified a sharp rise in Valentine themed phishing websites, fraudulent stores, and fake dating platforms designed to steal personal data and payment information. From March to December 2025, new Valentine related domains averaged 474 per month, but in January 2026, registrations jumped to 696, a 44 percent increase.
Meta removed more than 100,000 accounts from Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Kenya, and Cameroon linked to coordinated romance scam networks in 2025, demonstrating how organized these operations have become across Africa. The social media giant identified more than 1,400 victims across countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Angola, with estimated financial losses of nearly 2.8 million dollars.
Romance scams have evolved significantly with the advent of artificial intelligence technology. Cybersecurity experts warn that scammers now use real time deepfake video and perfect AI personas to manipulate individuals seeking connection. Traditional red flags such as poor grammar or inability to produce specific photos have been rendered obsolete by generative AI capabilities.
The CSA maintains a 24 hour Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact for reporting cybercrimes and seeking guidance and assistance on online activities. The public can report suspicious activity through multiple channels: Call or Text 292, WhatsApp 0501603111, or Email [email protected].
The Authority emphasized that the best defense against Valentine’s Day scams is awareness and cautious online behavior, urging Ghanaians to exercise due diligence when interacting with unknown contacts or offers online. While search engines provide convenient access to information, they can also display manipulated or misleading results, requiring users to verify information independently.
The CSA was established by the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) to regulate cybersecurity activities in Ghana, promote the development of cybersecurity in the country, and provide for related matters. The Authority’s vision is to build a resilient digital ecosystem, secure digital infrastructure, develop national capacity, deter cybercrime, and strengthen cybersecurity cooperation.
The Authority continues to issue alerts to protect the public from cyber risks, especially scams that appear around special events like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and other festive periods. The CSA works to curb cybercrime and ensure a safer digital environment for all Ghanaians by promoting responsible online behavior and awareness.
Ghana recorded GH₵19 million in cybercrime losses in the first nine months of 2025, with a 52 percent increase in reported cyber incidents during the same period. Mobile money fraud ranks among Ghana’s top five cyber threats, fueled by fake mobile money reversals, social engineering via impersonation, account takeover using SIM related vulnerabilities, and fraudulent digital lending schemes.
The warning comes as Valentine’s Day celebrations take place across Ghana, with increased online shopping for gifts, heightened dating activity, and emotional decision making creating optimal conditions for cybercriminals to launch short, high impact campaigns.
