In a stern warning to the public, Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Economy, Finance and Budget has raised the alarm over a surge in online fraud schemes promising unrealistic monthly earnings. The alert, issued in Abidjan on May 13, 2026, targets deceptive advertisements circulating on social media platforms, which falsely claim to offer lucrative income opportunities linked to official government programs.

How the online scam operates

The fraudulent scheme relies on enticing propositions suggesting that individuals can secure substantial monthly incomes—reportedly up to two million West African CFA francs—by simply registering online with no requirement for service provision. These claims, however, are entirely fabricated and designed to exploit the financial aspirations of unsuspecting citizens.

Cybercriminals behind these operations have adopted highly sophisticated tactics to lend credibility to their deception. In numerous cases, they impersonate high-ranking government officials, including the Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, or other senior public servants. Some even create fake profiles or manipulate images and statements to dupe potential victims into believing the legitimacy of these offers.

Dangers and consequences of falling for the scam

The ministry has emphasized that these fraudulent advertisements have no connection to its operations and are purely scams. It urges the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging with unsolicited online offers, particularly those requesting personal or banking information. Falling victim to such schemes can lead to severe financial losses, identity theft, extortion, and even blackmail by cybercriminal networks.

These fraudsters prey on the trust and naivety of internet users, using manipulative tactics to extract money or compromise digital security. The ministry has assured the public that it is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for these malicious activities.

Staying safe in the digital age

The warning comes amid a growing trend of digital scams across West Africa, where social media platforms are increasingly exploited to spread misinformation and fraudulent schemes. Authorities in Côte d’Ivoire are urging citizens to verify the authenticity of online information before engaging in any registration or financial transactions. A simple check of official sources can prevent falling prey to these sophisticated cybercrimes.

Adama Coulibaly, Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget of Côte d’Ivoire