What is Sakawa, and how do Sakawa scammers work?
Sakawa is the word used in Ghana for internet fraud, often romance scams, fake sales and fake investments run from fake profiles. The scammers pretend to be someone else and slowly build trust until they ask for money.
Sakawa scammers use stolen photos, fake names and scripted messages. They target people in Ghana and abroad, often lonely or busy people, and keep several victims going at the same time.
You cannot always tell from the chat alone. Checking the photos, the number and the wording of the messages often shows whether the profile is fake.
How to protect yourself
- Be careful with profiles that are new, perfect or only show model photos.
- Notice if the person refuses to video call or meet.
- Never send money, airtime or gift cards to someone you have only met online.
- Search the photos and the name together with the word 'scam'.
- Talk to someone you trust before you decide anything.
Frequently asked questions
- Do Sakawa scammers only target foreigners?
- No. They also target people in Ghana, through dating apps, Jiji, job offers and fake investments.
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