Fake "AI Training" Jobs in Ghana: The Scams Copying Mercor, Outlier and Others

Short answer: real AI training platforms such as Mercor, Outlier and DataAnnotation.tech are free to join and hire through their own websites. Scams copy their names to sell "AI data jobs" on WhatsApp and Telegram. If you must pay to register, deposit money to unlock tasks, or buy a course that "guarantees" placement, it is a scam.

Which fake AI job scams are going round?

1. The registration fee. A "recruiter" offers AI data work at a high rate, then asks for an activation, registration or "slot" fee.
2. The task app. You rate products, label images or "train AI" in an app or website. Early tasks pay a little, then you must deposit money to unlock higher-paying tasks. The deposits are never returned. Read task scams on WhatsApp and Telegram.
3. The guaranteed-placement course. A paid course or "certificate" promising you a Mercor or Outlier contract. No one can guarantee that.
4. The account seller. A "verified" account on a platform that does not accept Ghana, for a fee or a cut of your pay.
5. The ID harvester. No fee, but you send your Ghana Card, a selfie and bank details "for your contract". Your identity is then used for fraud.
6. The equipment cheque. They send money or a cheque to buy a laptop from "their vendor" and ask you to send part of it back. Read the fake cheque scam.

What has the Cyber Security Authority said?

In September 2026 Ghana's Cyber Security Authority warned jobseekers about recruitment scams using cloned websites and fake recruiters, including false claims of employment fees. Its advice: verify any offer directly with the organisation before sharing personal or financial details, and watch for poor spelling and unprofessional messages.

How do you check an AI job offer?

• Go to the platform's website yourself and apply there. Do not use links sent to you.
• Check that the platform accepts Ghana. See AI training platforms that accept Ghana.
• Check the recruiter's number, handle or website on TrustCheck.
• Run through is this online job real?

What should you do if you paid?

• Call your MoMo provider or bank straight away and ask them to block or reverse the payment.
• Report to the Cyber Security Authority: call or text 292, or WhatsApp 0501603111. You can also report to the Cybercrime Unit of the Ghana Police Service CID.
• Report the number or account on TrustCheck so the next person is warned.
• Do not pay a "recovery agent" who promises to get your money back. That is often the same scam again.

Where these facts come from (checked 31 October 2026): Citi Newsroom: CSA warns jobseekers over fake recruitment websites (Sept 2026); US FTC: that job offer text is probably a scam.