Alerts

Fraudulent Schemes Targeting BECE Graduates

Background

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has taken notice of fraudulent schemes targeting recent Junior High School (JHS) graduates including their friends and family. Individuals, purporting to represent official educational bodies or with "inside access" to the results and placement systems are approaching graduates, promising to change or upgrade their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results including changing their school placements for a fee.

Modus Operandi

  • Threat actors impersonate officials from examination bodies specifically, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), using fake profiles on social media, and convincing stories to appear legitimate.
  • The CSA has also identified various WhatsApp groups created by the threat actors with its members being recent JHS graduates.
  • The threat actors engage the graduates claiming to have the ability to alter examination results and change school placements for a fee.
  • Once payment is received the fraudsters cease communication with the victims.

Recommendation

  • BECE results released by the relevant examination body are final and cannot be altered by any third party. No individual or group has the power to alter results or influence school placements.
  • Engaging with these individuals can lead to financial loss and potentially expose personal information to identity theft and further fraud.
  • Disregard messages or calls that promise to modify exam results, upgrade scores, or alter school placements.
  • Always verify results through the official WAEC portal or your educational institution. Do not trust third-party claims or unofficial communication channels.

Contact the Cyber Security Authority

The CSA has a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Points of Contact (PoC) for reporting cybercrimes and for seeking guidance and assistance on online activities, Call or Text – 292, WhatsApp – 0501603111, Email – report@csa.gov.gh

Issued by Cyber Security Authority
October 29, 2024
Ref: CSA/CERT/MPA/2024-11/01