Cybercrime: Cameroon Lost Over CFA 1 Billion to Online Scams in 2025
By Synthia Lateu
Cameroon lost more than 1.027 billion CFA francs to online scams in 2025, according to the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng. She disclosed the figure while presenting her ministry’s 2026 budget before the Finance and Budget Committee of the National Assembly.
The minister said the losses mainly resulted from email fraud, phishing attacks, and fraudulent online investment platforms, which were closely monitored throughout the year by the National Agency for Information and Communication
According to cybersecurity expert Baron, the reported losses likely underestimate the real scale of the problem.
“The reality goes far beyond what is officially reported. In Cameroon, the absence of proper regulation of cyberspace is a major issue. You can be a known cybercriminal and still continue operating without fear,” he said.
Baron added that poverty increases vulnerability, noting that underprivileged populations are often the hardest hit by online fraud.
He further explained that the lure of quick money is one of the main drivers of the surge in online scams. Baron noted that fraud now takes many forms, including the impersonation of public figures on social media, fake investment opportunities—particularly involving cryptocurrencies—job scams using the names of trusted companies, and romance scams built on false online identities. According to him, these schemes continue to thrive because cybercriminals often operate openly with little fear of prosecution.
Another cybersecurity expert, Mounir Nji Amine, attributed the rise in cybercrime partly to rapid digitisation.
“The growth of artificial intelligence, electronic payment systems, and other digital tools has made it easier for criminals to remain anonymous. They can now create convincing messages and realistic scenarios. Human factors also play a role—people tend to trust easily, and there is still a widespread lack of awareness,” he said.
Experts agree that Cameroon must strengthen its cybersecurity framework while intensifying public awareness campaigns.
“A lot still needs to be done within our judicial system, which often unintentionally favours the operations of cybercriminals, both nationally and internationally. Identifying perpetrators remains difficult, and the judicial system must be reinforced,” Mounir Nji Amine added.
Baron stressed that enforcement and education must go hand in hand.
“The first step is for the government to establish a clear principle: if you are a cybercriminal, you will be treated like a thief and constantly pursued by law enforcement. The second step is awareness—comprehensive, 360-degree awareness. Young pupils in schools and colleges must be sensitised,” he said.
In 2025, 471 cases of scamming and phishing were recorded, involving the impersonation of websites and email addresses belonging to banks, private companies, and public administrations.
ANTIC also identified 59 fraudulent financial platforms, often presented as investment or cryptocurrency opportunities. While 40 were dismantled, the minister said victims had already suffered losses exceeding one billion CFA francs.
The agency identified 4,781 fake social media accounts, of which 3,466 were removed. Additionally, 5,973 vulnerabilities were detected across 256 public and private information systems, underscoring the persistent risks to Cameroon’s national cybersecurity.
