A money-doubling scheme using the name “Worldremit” is attracting attention again in Ghana.
The name makes the scheme appear connected to WorldRemit, the legitimate international money-transfer company.
It is not.
The Bank of Ghana says the money-doubling operation is fraudulent. It has not been licensed to collect deposits or offer investments.
The warning currently appearing on the Bank of Ghana website points to a notice originally issued on October 13, 2021. This means the scheme itself is not new.
However, the method remains relevant because similar offers continue to circulate through WhatsApp and social media.
How the scheme works
According to the original Bank of Ghana notice, victims are encouraged to select a money-doubling package.
The scammers then generate a code and ask the victim to provide it.
BoG says the fraudsters use this code to obtain access to victims’ WhatsApp accounts for fraudulent purposes.
The victim may also be asked to deposit money with the promise of receiving double or triple the amount.
The promised return never arrives.
A stolen WhatsApp account can then be used to contact the victim’s friends and family. Because the messages come from a familiar account, other people may believe the request is genuine.
It is not the real WorldRemit
The fraudulent scheme uses the name “Worldremit.”
The legitimate money-transfer service is written as WorldRemit, with a capital W and R.
A difference in spelling alone should not be your only safety check. Additionally, scammers can copy the correct spelling, logo and colours too.
The real company says it does not operate a money-doubling service.
It also says customers should use its official application or website when sending money. WorldRemit advises users not to share passwords, card details or account information with people who contact them unexpectedly.
You can read the company’s official Ghana scam guidance.
Five warning signs
Be careful when someone:
- Promises to double or triple your money quickly
- Asks you to select an investment “package”
- Requests a WhatsApp verification code
- Pressures you to send money immediately
- Claims to represent a known company through an unofficial account
A genuine company should be verifiable through its official website and customer-support channels.
Do not trust a WhatsApp profile because it has the correct logo or company name. Anyone can download a logo and use it as a profile photograph.
Never share a WhatsApp code
A WhatsApp registration code is meant only for you.
Someone who receives that code may be able to register your account on another phone.
WhatsApp, your network provider and a legitimate money-transfer company should not ask you to send that code through a chat.
Activate two-step verification for additional protection.
Open WhatsApp and go to:
Settings → Account → Two-step verification
Create a PIN you can remember but another person cannot easily guess.
Add a recovery email address that you control.
What to do if you already responded
Stop communicating with the person.
Contact your bank, mobile-money provider or card issuer immediately if you transferred money. Ask whether the transaction can be stopped or reversed.
Change your important passwords if you shared personal information.
If you provided a WhatsApp verification code, sign back into WhatsApp with your telephone number. Activating your account again can remove the unauthorised user.
Review the devices connected to your account under:
WhatsApp → Settings → Linked devices
Remove anything you do not recognise.
You can also report the activity to the Bank of Ghana. Contact details are available on the official BoG scam notice.
Delppy’s take
The dangerous part of this scheme is the familiar name.
Someone may see “Worldremit” and assume the offer comes from the legitimate transfer company.
Do not allow the logo or name to make the decision for you.
Any offer promising guaranteed money doubling should immediately raise concern.
Verify the company. Protect your WhatsApp codes. Never send money because someone is rushing you.
We go talk more chale.
