Scam Calls from +233 (Ghana): What to Know
● High scam risk
Ghana (+233) has emerged as a hub for romance scams targeting Western victims. Scammers in Ghana operate sophisticated long-term operations, often working in groups from internet cafes.
Common Scam Types from +233
Romance scams
Often the primary scam from Ghana. Scammers build trust over weeks or months before requesting money.
Sakawa fraud
A combination of online fraud with elements of West African ritual. Victims are manipulated emotionally and financially.
Inheritance scams
Caller claims a deceased relative left you money in Ghana, requesting fees for legal processing.
Cryptocurrency investment fraud
Calls promoting fake crypto opportunities with guaranteed returns.
Warning Signs
- Online relationships that quickly turn to financial requests
- Promises of inheritance from unknown relatives
- Requests for money for medical emergencies abroad
- Refusal to video-chat or meet in person
What to Do
- Do not send money to anyone you have not met face-to-face
- Reverse-image search any photos they send
- Hang up and block immediately
- Report to your dating site if applicable
- Report to FTC and IC3
How to Block Calls from +233
- Block the number from your contacts
- Enable carrier spam blocking
- Block international calls if no business in West Africa
Statistics
Romance scams from West Africa cost US victims $1.3 billion in 2024.