The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a public warning regarding a notable increase in counterfeit social media accounts impersonating the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and its high-ranking officials.
This illicit activity has intensified following the initiation of the official 2025 GAF enlistment and recruitment process on October 1, 2025.
According to the authority, eighty-six fraudulent accounts have been detected in the past week alone. An examination of their operations reveals that these accounts are being utilised to carry out recruitment scams targeting unsuspecting job seekers.
The CSA elaborated on the typical tactics used by these scammers, referred to as their modus operandi. Criminals fabricate fake social media profiles featuring official logos or images of real security personnel. These counterfeit profiles then publish what seem to be authentic recruitment advertisements to attract potential victims.
When individuals show interest, they are directed to make payments for various items such as application forms, medical examinations, background checks, uniforms, and training materials.
In some cases, the scheme escalates even further. The CSA noted that “victims receive fraudulent selection notifications and are requested to provide scanned copies of their identification, which are subsequently exploited for identity theft.”
In a particularly cruel twist, victims may also be instructed to report to fictitious training or induction sites, only to realise the deception upon their arrival.
The Authority is actively collaborating with the relevant social media platforms to facilitate the removal of the identified fraudulent accounts while its investigations are ongoing.
To safeguard the public, the CSA has put forth a series of robust recommendations. Citizens are advised to ignore any messages or posts promoting recruitment protocols that appear suspicious.
In order to safeguard the public, the CSA has released a set of robust recommendations. Citizens are strongly encouraged to ignore any messages or posts that promote recruitment into the security services. All recruitment advertisements must be verified solely through official government websites or by directly contacting the agency.
The public is advised to “only rely on trusted official institutional websites for recruitment information,” specifically highlighting that the GAF’s authentic recruitment portal is “https://apply.mil.gh/.”
Additionally, the alert warns against clicking on dubious links found in unsolicited messages. A significant warning stressed is that “genuine employers do not charge any fees for applications, tests, or training; any payment request is a clear sign of fraud.”
The public is also urged to refrain from sharing IDs, passports, or certificates with unverified recruiters to avoid identity theft and to be cautious of job offers that promise immediate employment, high salaries, or guaranteed placement following a payment.
The CSA has urged the public to report any impersonating profiles or websites for prompt action.
The Authority operates a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact (PoC) for reporting cybercrimes and for obtaining guidance. Reports can be submitted via call or text to 292, on WhatsApp at 0501603111, or by email to report@csa.gov.gh.