The 2026 INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment Report reveals a surge in sophisticated online scams targeting African internet users. Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting human trust and emotions through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and social engineering.

Top Five Fastest-Growing Online Scams in Africa

  • Romance Scams Leading to Cryptocurrency Fraud: Scammers build fake relationships on social media and dating apps, then persuade victims to invest in fraudulent crypto schemes or send money for false emergencies. These scams are often run by organised groups operating call centres.
  • Fake Cryptocurrency Investment Platforms: Fraudsters use AI-generated videos and deepfake endorsements from celebrities or officials to promote bogus crypto exchanges and Ponzi schemes, capitalising on the continent’s growing digital asset market.
  • Mobile Money and SIM Swap Fraud: Mobile money remains a primary target, with 97% of African countries reporting such fraud. Criminals hijack phone numbers to intercept passwords and drain wallets, exploiting weak identity verification processes.
  • Fake Loan and Fintech Apps: Fraudulent microcredit platforms harvest personal data under the pretense of fast loans, then harass victims with extortion and public shaming. While prevalent in West and Central Africa, these scams are spreading rapidly across regions.
  • AI-Powered Phishing and Impersonation: Cybercriminals employ AI to craft convincing phishing messages, cloned voices, and deepfake content, lowering barriers to sophisticated cyberattacks and increasing victim deception.

Organised Crime and Human Trafficking Links

The report highlights that many scams are orchestrated by organised criminal enterprises with complex networks for recruitment, money laundering, and technology. Some scam centres are linked to human trafficking, forcing victims to participate in fraud operations.

Recommendations for Online Safety

Experts urge Africans to exercise caution when approached with unsolicited investment offers, unexpected loans, or rapid online relationships requesting money. Key advice includes enabling multi-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links, verifying identities independently, and never sharing one-time passwords.

INTERPOL stresses the need for enhanced collaboration among governments, financial institutions, tech companies, and law enforcement to combat cross-border cybercrime effectively.