EOCO and UK Crime Agency join forces to combat Romance fraud
The initiative is designed to raise awareness and encourage citizens to report fraudulent activities, particularly scams that involve individuals deceiving victims through online relationships for financial gain.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of Ghana and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) have launched a nationwide campaign to tackle the growing issue of romance fraud in Ghana.
The initiative is designed to raise awareness and encourage citizens to report fraudulent activities, particularly scams that involve individuals deceiving victims through online relationships for financial gain.
As part of the campaign, EOCO and the NCA will roll out educational materials, enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and engage the public in programs aimed at dismantling fraud networks.
The awareness drive will be supported by a multimedia approach, including roadside billboards, social media outreach, and interactive community programs.
To facilitate swift reporting of suspected fraudsters, the agencies have also introduced two dedicated hotlines—0547-419-419 and 0800-910-910—where the public can share information on suspicious activities.
Romance scam is a worrying phenomenon where fraudsters create fake accounts to lure their victims into relationships with the sole purpose of gaining their trust subsequent to which they would ask for money or personal information.
The Need for Collective Action
Dominic Cummins, the International Liaison Officer for the NCA, highlighted the critical threat posed by fraud, noting that it accounts for over 40% of all crimes in the UK.
Given its prevalence, he emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling fraudsters who operate across borders with sophisticated tactics.
He further commended the collaboration between the NCA and EOCO, stressing that their ongoing partnership has been instrumental in disrupting criminal networks affecting both Ghana and the UK.
Addressing Legal and Social Implications
For his part, Anthony Leo Siamah, Deputy Director of Legal and Prosecutions at EOCO, reiterated the devastating impact of romance fraud, noting that it not only robs victims of their hard-earned money but also damages the country's reputation.
“The rise in internet access and mobile financial services has created opportunities for criminals to expand their fraudulent schemes, often operating as individuals or as part of larger syndicates. Their methods are increasingly sophisticated, making detection and prosecution a challenge,” he explained.
Mr. Siamah emphasized that the collaboration between EOCO and the NCA will help strengthen investigations, enhance prosecution efforts, and improve cross-border intelligence sharing. In addition to law enforcement measures, public education and policy reforms will play a key role in curbing romance fraud.
The campaign is expected to empower more individuals to recognize and report fraudulent activities, ultimately reducing the prevalence of such crimes and protecting potential victims from financial and emotional harm.
