A new WhatsApp scam message is making the rounds in Ghana, targeting unsuspecting users through their own trusted contacts. The message typically requests GHS800 or GHS600, with a promise to repay the amount by Thursday evening or Friday morning.
The full message, seen multiple times across different contacts, reads:
“I want to ask if I can get 800gh or 600gh from you to do something at the moment please 🙏 I will give you back on Thursday evening around 5pm or Friday morning.”
Cybersecurity experts warn that this is part of a social engineering scheme, where fraudsters either hack or clone WhatsApp accounts and pose as familiar contacts to exploit trust. Victims report receiving the same message from more than one friend or family member, raising concerns about account security.
What you should do:
- Don’t send any money until you confirm with a direct phone call.
- Inform the sender immediately — their account may be compromised.
- Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp to secure your own account.
- Report the incident to WhatsApp and your mobile money provider.
As digital fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated, users are urged to stay alert and always verify before they trust — even with familiar names.
