Over 40 ‘rogue’ Loan Apps blacklisted for threats, blackmail

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has raised concerns about a rising wave of cyberbullying associated with unregulated digital lending apps. This year has seen a significant increase in complaints. Between January and May 2025, the CSA received 377 reports of abuse, compared to 228 cases recorded in 2024.

The CSA attributes this surge to the aggressive and exploitative tactics used by various mobile loan applications that operate outside legal and regulatory frameworks. These platforms often push unsolicited microloans on users and resort to harassment and intimidation to recover payments.

Victims report being blackmailed, threatened with defamation, and having their private data, including photos and contact lists leaked to third parties. In many cases, the apps use access to users’ phone data to shame and coerce them into repayment.

A statement by the CSA said it has identified 48 such rogue apps currently operating in Ghana. Among them are Miniloan, Devtage Loan, mix loan, Ozzy Money-Cash, Plus Cash Arrow, Cash Arrow, FundsCredit, Lever Credit, Getloan and Upper Loan, Kcash, Bestloan, Gcash, DaraLoan, Loanbase, Taploan, Gh Loans, Sune Loans, Urgent Money, Sparkloan, Skyloan, Loancloudgh, and Pea money, among others.

“These apps operate without legal backing and often disregard consumer protection laws. Engaging with them exposes users to serious risks, including data breaches, harassment, and financial loss,” the CSA cautioned in a statement.

The Authority urged Ghanaians to verify the legitimacy of digital lending platforms before use and report suspicious activity through its 24-hour cyber incident response system.