NCCE Berekum West Sensitises Hairdressers and Beauticians on Cyber Scams and Misinformation

Hairdressers and beauticians in Jinijini in the Bono Region have been urged to be vigilant online and guard against cyber scams, phishing, misinformation, and other forms of irresponsible digital conduct.

The advice was given by the Berekum West District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education during a public education engagement organised as part of the 2026 Constitution Week Celebration. The engagement was held under the theme, “Upholding Our Constitution in a Digital Age: Our Collective Responsibility.”

Speaking during the session, Mr. Dari Joseph of the NCCE educated participants on responsible use of social media and the need to protect themselves from online fraud. He noted that although digital platforms have created opportunities for communication, learning, business promotion, and social networking, they have also increased exposure to cybercrime and other online threats.

Mr. Dari explained that scammers often take advantage of people’s trust and lack of awareness by sending fake messages that request money, personal details, or other sensitive information. He said such fraudsters sometimes pretend to be relatives, friends, or trusted persons in order to deceive unsuspecting victims.

According to him, many victims only realise they have been defrauded after responding to such messages or sending money to unknown persons. He therefore advised participants to verify suspicious messages before taking any action, especially when such messages request money or personal information.

“If someone sends you a message asking for money, call and confirm whether it is truly the person, because the account may have been hacked,” he advised.

Participants were also educated on phishing, which Mr. Dari described as a common online method used by criminals to steal money, passwords, and sensitive personal information. He urged them to avoid clicking suspicious links, sharing verification codes, or responding to messages from unknown sources.

Sharing a personal experience, Mr. Dari recounted how a church platform was once hacked and fraudulent messages were sent to members requesting money with promises of repayment the following day. He used the example to caution participants that even trusted online groups and platforms can be exploited by criminals.

Beyond cyber scams, the NCCE also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media. Participants were advised to share only verified information and avoid circulating content that could create fear, confusion, mistrust, or tension in society.

The engagement ended with a call on citizens to look out for one another and serve as guides in promoting a safer digital space. The NCCE reaffirmed its commitment to continuous public education aimed at promoting responsible digital citizenship and protecting citizens from emerging online threats.