The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has raised alarm over a growing wave of cyberbullying linked to unregulated digital lending apps, revealing a sharp spike in complaints this year. Between January and May 2025 alone, the Authority received 377 reports of abuse compared to the 228 cases recorded in 2024.

According to the CSA, the surge stems from aggressive and exploitative tactics employed by several mobile loan applications that operate outside legal and regulatory frameworks. These platforms often push unsolicited microloans to users, only to resort to harassment and intimidation to recover payments.

Victims report being blackmailed, threatened with defamation, and having their private data—including photos and contact lists—leaked to third parties. In many cases, the apps use access to users’ phone data to shame and coerce them into repayment.

A statement by the CSA said it has identified 48 such rogue apps currently operating in Ghana. Among them are Miniloan, Devtage Loan, mix loan, ozzy money-cash, Plus Cash Arrow, Cash Arrow, FundsCredit, Lever Credit, Getloan and Upper Loan, Kcash, Bestloan, Gcash,  DaraLoan, Loanbase, Taploan, Gh Loans, Sune Loans, Urgent money, Sparkloan, Skyloan, Loancloudgh, and Pea money among others.

“These apps operate without legal backing and often disregard consumer protection laws. Engaging with them exposes users to serious risks, including data breaches, harassment, and financial loss,” the CSA cautioned in a statement.

The Authority urged Ghanaians to verify the legitimacy of digital lending platforms before use and report suspicious activity through its 24-hour cyber incident response system.