The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has sounded the alarm over a troubling rise in cyberbullying and privacy violations linked to unregulated mobile lending applications in Ghana.
From January to May 2025, the Authority recorded 377 complaints—marking a sharp increase from the 228 cases reported throughout all of 2024.
At the heart of the problem are dozens of digital lending platforms that operate outside Ghana’s legal and regulatory frameworks. These apps, often disguised as legitimate financial services, offer quick microloans to users but employ aggressive and unethical tactics to recover repayments.
Many victims report being harassed, blackmailed, or publicly shamed. In some cases, the apps access users’ contact lists and private photos, then leak or threaten to leak this information to coerce them into paying. Others are bombarded with defamatory messages or threats, often directed at their family, friends, and colleagues.
The CSA has identified at least 48 of these rogue apps operating in the country. Notable offenders include Miniloan, Devtage Loan, Mix Loan, Ozzy Money-Cash, Plus Cash Arrow, Cash Arrow, FundsCredit, Lever Credit, Getloan, Upper Loan, Kcash, Bestloan, and Gcash.
“These apps operate without legal backing and often disregard consumer protection laws. Engaging with them exposes users to serious risks, including data breaches, harassment, and financial loss,” the CSA warned in an official statement.
The Authority is urging the public to exercise caution when using online loan services. Ghanaians are advised to confirm the credibility of any digital lender through approved channels and report any suspicious or abusive activity to the CSA’s 24-hour cyber incident response team.
Read full statement below:
