Business Strategy in Fraud Migration: The Shift of Online Romance Scams from Nigeria to Ghana

Business Strategy in Fraud Migration: The Shift of Online Romance Scams from Nigeria to Ghana | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 12 March 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Business Strategy in Fraud Migration: The Shift of Online Romance Scams from Nigeria to Ghana Author : Zahid Hussain 0009-0002-3407-5783 [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174180458.84892433/v1 595 views 161 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the operations of romance scam networks from Nigeria to Ghana. This study explores the business strategies employed by fraudsters in this migration, analyzing the economic, regulatory, and technological factors that have contributed to this geographical shift. The research examines how stricter law enforcement measures and increased international scrutiny in Nigeria have forced cybercriminals to relocate their activities to Ghana, where regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms are still developing. Fraudsters exploit Ghana's growing digital economy, relatively lax cybersecurity policies, and expanding internet infrastructure to continue executing romance scams with minimal risk of prosecution. Additionally, the study investigates the role of organized criminal networks in facilitating this migration, including the recruitment of local actors and the establishment of new operational hubs. Through case studies and law enforcement reports, this research identifies the key tactics used in romance scams, such as social engineering, identity theft, and emotional manipulation, which enable scammers to deceive victims into transferring large sums of money. The findings highlight that while fraud prevention efforts in Nigeria have been effective to some extent, the lack of coordinated regional cybersecurity policies allows scammers to relocate and resume operations with ease. This study underscores the need for enhanced cross-border collaboration, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and increased public awareness to combat online romance scams effectively. Addressing this issue requires a proactive approach, leveraging technology, regulatory reforms, and international cooperation to disrupt fraud networks and protect potential victims from financial and emotional exploitation. Supplementary Material File (2.pdf) Download 217.98 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 12 March 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords cybercrime cybersecurity digital economy fraud migration ghana identity theft law enforcement nigeria romance scams social engineering Authors Affiliations Zahid Hussain 0009-0002-3407-5783 [email protected] View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 595 views 161 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Zahid Hussain. Business Strategy in Fraud Migration: The Shift of Online Romance Scams from Nigeria to Ghana. Authorea . 12 March 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174180458.84892433/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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