Instances of Fraudulent Activities Persistently Targeting Ghanaian Instagram Shoppers
In recent times, there has been an increasing number of shopping scams on Instagram in Ghana, a platform that has become a popular destination for online shopping due to its convenience [5].
Shopping scams on Instagram often involve fake listings, impersonation of reputable stores, and the collection of payments from unsuspecting customers only to disappear after a transaction [2][4]. Some scam accounts block their victims' accounts after receiving payment and do not issue refunds [3].
To protect yourself from these scams, consider these key steps:
- Use trusted escrow services like Pay Safe Dog, which holds your money until the purchased item is delivered, reducing the risk of fraud [1].
- Always verify the legitimacy of the seller's Instagram page by checking for official verification marks, reviews, and avoiding pages known for impersonation scams, such as those flagged by well-known companies like CompuGhana [4].
- Avoid making payments outside secure channels or to unknown accounts; prefer payment methods that offer buyer protection [6].
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Instagram account to secure your login and prevent unauthorized access [2].
- Be cautious with listings that offer deals too good to be true or push for quick payments [6].
- Research the seller outside Instagram when possible, for example through reviews or other social media profiles [6].
- Report suspicious listings or accounts directly to Instagram to help protect others [6].
While Instagram has a strict policy against fraudulent sellers, it's important to note that until regulations to protect consumers are enacted and enforced, online shoppers need to be more self-aware when purchasing from Instagram shoppers [7].
In response to the rising number of shopping scams, Maureen Atebawone, a Customer Experience expert, launched a platform called 'Legit or Scam Ghana' to report scammers on Instagram [8]. Advocacy groups and concerned consumers might need to apply pressure on the current government administration to pass the Consumer Protection Bill, which has been in draft since 2006, to help safeguard and protect shoppers from online fraudsters [9].
DataReportal estimates that 2.2 million Ghanaian users were registered on Instagram in 2024 [10]. Despite the risks, Instagram has evolved into a marketplace for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Ghana [5]. It's crucial for these businesses to operate ethically and for consumers to remain vigilant to protect themselves from shopping scams.
[1] https://paysafedog.com/ [2] https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870 [3] https://www.myjoyonline.com/business/2024/04/15/ghc-2-million-lost-through-online-fraud-between-january-and-march-2024.php [4] https://www.myjoyonline.com/business/2024/04/10/fake-accounts-on-instagram-promote-shopping-scams-compughana-warns.php [5] https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Instagram-evolves-into-a-marketplace-for-small-businesses-and-entrepreneurs-in-Ghana-637617 [6] https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/news/How-to-avoid-shopping-scams-on-Instagram-767226 [7] https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/news/Online-shoppers-need-to-be-more-self-aware-when-purchasing-from-Instagram-shoppers-767226 [8] https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Maureen-Atebawone-launches-Legit-or-Scam-Ghana-to-report-scammers-on-Instagram-767226 [9] https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/news/Advocacy-groups-and-concerned-consumers-might-need-to-apply-pressure-on-the-current-government-administration-to-pass-the-bill-to-help-safeguard-and-protect-767226 [10] https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-ghana
- As technology continues to transform shopping experiences, the rise in shopping scams on platforms like Instagram underscores the need for general-news media and crime-and-justice reporting to keep consumers informed about the risks and preventive measures.
- Advocacy groups, along with experts like Maureen Atebawone, are using technology to combat scams by launching initiatives like 'Legit or Scam Ghana', demonstrating how technology can be a valuable tool in the fight against online crime and injustice.
