Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has blacklisted more than 40 digital lending applications amid a surge in complaints of harassment, blackmail, and data abuse.
The CSA said it had received 377 reports of cyber abuse linked to mobile loan platforms between January and May this year—marking a sharp increase from the 228 cases reported throughout 2024.
Officials said the apps, which operate outside of Ghana’s regulatory framework, frequently offer unsolicited loans and later employ aggressive tactics to recover payments.
Victims allege they were threatened with defamation and blackmailed using personal information obtained from their phones, including contact lists and photographs. In several cases, users said their private data was shared with third parties without consent.
“These applications exploit user data and rely on fear, shame, and intimidation,” a statement from the Authority said. “Their practices are a clear violation of privacy and cyber security laws.”
A total of 48 apps have been named by the CSA, including Miniloan, Devtage Loan, Mix Loan, Ozzy Money-Cash, Plus Cash Arrow, Cash Arrow, FundsCredit, Lever Credit, GetLoan, Upper Loan, KCash, BestLoan, GCash, DaraLoan, LoanBase, TapLoan, Gh Loans, Sune Loans, Urgent Money, SparkLoan, SkyLoan, LoanCloudGH, and Pea Money, among others.
The CSA has urged the public to be vigilant when downloading financial apps and to report any suspicious activity. It also called on app stores and financial regulators to remove the flagged platforms to prevent further harm.
Efforts are now underway to strengthen oversight and ensure digital lenders comply with existing data protection and cybercrime laws.
Source:TheDotNews