Ghana Dating Scams: What Accra and Kumasi Singles Should Know

Online dating in Ghana is growing fast. So are the scams. The good news is that most of them follow patterns you can learn to spot.

This guide is for singles in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi and everywhere else in Ghana. It applies if you are dating locally or talking to someone abroad.

The pattern

A scammer builds trust first. They compliment you, text daily and share an emotional story. After a few days or weeks, a problem appears. It almost always involves money.

Stories to watch for

• The soldier or oil worker abroad. They say they're posted overseas and cannot access their money. They need a small help.
• The gift parcel. They claim to have sent you a gift, but customs wants a fee. You pay, the parcel never exists.
• The mobile money mix up. They send money "by mistake" and ask you to return it. Later the original transfer is reversed.
• The investment tip. A new friend introduces crypto, forex or a "business" with guaranteed returns.
• The sick relative. A hospital bill, a school fee, a funeral.
• The visa or flight. They want to visit, but they need you to pay for a ticket or documents.

Red flags

• Refuses video calls, or the camera "does not work".
• Wants to move to WhatsApp or Telegram within a day or two.
• Declares love very quickly.
• Photos look too perfect or appear on other profiles.
• Cannot meet in person, always with a reason.
• Asks for money, data, airtime, gift cards or your account details.

Protect yourself

1. Do a video call early, and ask them to do something simple on camera, such as holding up three fingers. 2. Search their photos online to see where else they appear. 3. Never send money, airtime, MoMo or gift cards to someone you have not met in person. 4. Do not click links they send. Do not share OTP codes. 5. Tell a friend what is happening. Scammers rely on secrecy. 6. Report and block.

Use a platform that checks people

MyPerson offers selfie and National ID verification, human review of reports and the option to block and report in two taps. Verified badges help, but they don't replace common sense. Read how our verification works.

If you've been scammed

Collect screenshots, numbers and receipts. Report to your mobile money provider and your bank right away, to the platform, and to the Ghana Police Service Cyber Crime Unit or the relevant authority. Beware of anyone who contacts you offering to recover your money for a fee. That's the same scam again.

For Ghana specifics beyond scams, see our guide to dating in Accra and Kumasi.