Fake soldiers, real scams: Public warned about military recruitment fraud

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a stark public alert concerning a significant surge in fake social media accounts impersonating the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and its senior officers. 

This criminal activity has escalated following the commencement of the official 2025 GAF enlistment and recruitment exercise on October 1, 2025.

According to the Authority, eighty-six such fraudulent accounts have been identified in the past week alone. An analysis of their activities confirms they are being used to perpetrate recruitment fraud against unsuspecting job seekers.

The CSA detailed the common methods employed by these fraudsters, known as their modus operandi. Criminals create fake social media profiles using official logos or images of legitimate security personnel. These fake profiles then post what appear to be legitimate recruitment advertisements to lure potential victims. When individuals express interest, they are instructed to make payments for various items including application forms, medical exams, background checks, uniforms, and training materials.

In some instances, the scheme escalates further. The CSA stated that “victims receive fake selection notices and are asked to submit scanned copies of their IDs, which are later used for identity theft.” In a cruel final step, victims are sometimes even instructed to report to non-existent training or induction locations, only discovering the scam upon arrival.

The Authority is currently engaging with the relevant social media platforms to conduct a takedown of the identified fraudulent profiles while its investigations continue.

To protect the public, the CSA has issued a series of strong recommendations. Citizens are urged to disregard any messages or posts advertising protocol recruitment into the security services. All recruitment advertisements should be verified exclusively through official government websites or by contacting the agency directly. The public is advised to “only rely on trusted official institutional websites for recruitment information,” explicitly noting that the GAF’s legitimate recruitment portal is “https://apply.mil.gh/.”

The alert further cautions against clicking on suspicious links in unsolicited messages. A key warning emphasised is that “genuine employers do not charge any fees for applications, tests, or training; any payment request is a clear sign of fraud.” The public is also advised to avoid sharing IDs, passports, or certificates with unverified recruiters to prevent identity theft and to be wary of job offers promising instant employment, high salaries, or guaranteed placement after a payment is made.

The CSA has called on the public to report any impersonating profiles or websites for immediate action. The Authority maintains a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact (PoC) for reporting cybercrimes and for seeking guidance. Reports can be made via call or text to 292, on WhatsApp at 0501603111, or by email to report@csa.gov.gh.

Source: graphic.com.gh