Cybersecurity and data expert Samuel Kwame Adomako has drawn a sharp legal distinction in the debate around online romance fraud, warning that law enforcement cannot pursue individuals simply because of their reputation as scammers, while simultaneously urging the public to stay clear of internet romances that may lead to financial ruin.
Speaking on the Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Adomako said the legal burden for prosecution remains critical. “Before the police or the law go after someone, the state cannot prosecute individuals simply because they are known as ‘game boys’. There must be enough evidence to support any claims of fraudulent activity, or someone must file an official complaint for the person to be investigated,” he stated.
His remarks come as international law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), continues to pursue fraud suspects with Ghanaian connections. Among the highest-profile arrests was that of social media figure Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, apprehended in a joint operation between the FBI and Ghanaian security agencies in December 2025, with a United States Department of Justice indictment alleging he was part of a network that defrauded elderly American victims of more than eight million dollars through romance fraud schemes since 2023.
Despite the enforcement activity, Adomako cautioned the public not to lower their own guard. “Romance is a beautiful thing, but trust must be earned, not downloaded from the internet. In all our dealings, I plead with the public to be very careful, verify everything we do, especially when it comes to payments, and stay away from internet romance,” he said.
He described romance scams as among the most emotionally destructive forms of cybercrime. “The scammers go after your heart and then your wallet,” he noted, explaining that fraudsters typically follow a deliberate, staged script.
First, a scammer builds a credible dating profile, frequently using artificial intelligence-generated or stolen photographs. Second, the victim is persuaded to shift communication from dating platforms to private channels such as WhatsApp or Telegram, removing the safety features built into regulated apps. Third, financial requests follow, disguised as emergencies, travel complications, or investment opportunities framed as building a shared future.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is currently handling approximately 16 high-profile romance scam cases, seven involving collaboration with the FBI and three with United Kingdom authorities. 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.
Members of the public who believe they have been targeted are urged to file a formal complaint with the CSA or the nearest police cybercrime unit.
