Cybercrime in Ghana and Victims Accounts

Abstract

The main thrust of the study was to examine how cybercrime victims are being lured into virtual space by scammers and later swindled. Qualitative research method was advanced to explore the dynamics of cybercrime activities in Ghana. Secondary data were sourced from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service. Purposive sampling technique was outlined to engage with the respondents. Structured interview guide was considered as a data collection instrument. In the data analysis, each of the in-depth interviews was transcribed as soon as the information was gathered and developed into codes. Six (6) internet victims took part in the study. The investigation revealed that people become internet victims as a result of unrealistic profit ventures, online romance, raffle schemes, America green card lottery and rent apartment deals. Out of the six cases, only one culprit was imprisoned and even the approach was conventional policing strategy considering the volatile nature of the cybercrime related offences. It was concluded from the discussions that the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) should create public awareness about the social and economic consequences of cybercrime activities in the country. The education should further emphasize on the social engineering tactics employed by the conmen to dupe their client on the internet.

Received: 8 March 2022 / Accepted: 25 April 2022 / Published: 5 May 2022