The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has warned the public of the increase in online blackmail and sextortion cases.
The authority said it had recorded 226 cases since the beginning of the year.
In a statement, CSA added that victims in these cases have suffered a total loss of GH¢ 112,209.
Exposing the modus operandi of the people behind these blackmails, the CSA said the criminals initiate friendships on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok before moving the conversation to WhatsApp.
Over time, they develop these friendships into intimate relationships and lure their targets into making nude video calls on WhatsApp, which are secretly recorded.
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These criminals then threaten to release these nude videos and photos to the public unless the victims pay ransom.
The authority, therefore, cautioned Ghanaians against the sharing of explicit photos and videos with intimate partners on the internet.
The CSA also advised against capturing and storing personal nude images and videos on devices.
It further urged individuals to avoid accepting online friend requests from strangers and be wary of quickly progressing online relationships.
Below is the statement by CSA
