Fraud prevention expert and security intelligence consultant Richard Kumadoe says cyber criminals are exploiting gaps in public awareness and delayed reporting to defraud individuals, as Ghana records GH¢209.7 million in losses linked to reported cybersecurity incidents between January and September 2026.
Speaking on News Lens on Globe TV, Mr Kumadoe stressed that the reported losses should not be interpreted as money lost by the government, explaining that the victims are individuals, who may be Ghanaians or foreign nationals.
“It’s not the State [Ghana] that has lost that amount. They are individuals, whether Ghanaians or foreign nationals,” he said.
His clarification comes amid growing concerns over the scale of cybercrime and the increasing sophistication of methods used by fraudsters to target unsuspecting victims.
According to Mr Kumadoe, the rise in cyber fraud is partly driven by the growing technical capabilities of criminals and the limited awareness of many people who conduct transactions in the digital space.
“Cyber criminals have become more sophisticated. They have a lot of sophistication at their disposal, while their victims have become more naive because they are not informed, educated on some of the dangers and the risks involved when dealing with digital space and online transactions,” he said.
He warned that the gap between the capabilities of cyber criminals and the preparedness of potential victims continues to create opportunities for fraud, particularly among people who lack the knowledge to recognise online threats.
Delayed Reporting
Mr Kumadoe also expressed concern about the failure of some victims to report cyber fraud promptly, arguing that many people do not have the right information about the threats they face or the appropriate steps to take after an incident.
“Unfortunately, people don’t listen, people don’t get informed, people don’t have the right information. When they are duped it takes them a long time to report it to the police or the cybersecurity authority,” he said.
The delay, he suggested, highlights the need to strengthen public education and encourage victims to report suspected fraud as soon as possible.
Prompt reporting can help authorities receive timely information about fraudulent activities, identify emerging patterns and investigate incidents. Victims should preserve relevant evidence, including transaction records, messages, phone numbers and suspicious links, when making reports.
Emerging Threats
Cybersecurity concerns have expanded beyond conventional online scams, with artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes, brand impersonation, organised scam centres, automated fraud schemes and child-related online safety violations emerging as significant threats.
These developments have intensified calls for individuals, businesses and public institutions to adopt stronger digital security practices while improving public understanding of online risks.
Mr Kumadoe’s comments reinforce the need for sustained public education to help people identify suspicious communications, verify requests for money or personal information and take immediate action when they suspect they have been defrauded.
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