How to Receive Money From Abroad in Ghana Safely (and Spot Fake Transfer Messages)

Short answer: the safest ways to receive money from abroad in Ghana are a direct bank transfer into your own account, a licensed money transfer service paid to your bank, MoMo wallet or a cash pickup point, or a regulated app. Real money transfers never require you to pay a "release fee", "clearance fee" or "tax" to a stranger first. If someone you do not know wants to send money to you so you can pass it on, say no: that is money mule recruitment.

The legitimate ways to receive money from abroad

MTN's help centre confirms that money from abroad can be sent to an MTN MoMo wallet at any time. The sender chooses mobile money as the payout option in their remittance app and enters your wallet number. Xoom, a PayPal service, for example, delivers to mobile wallets in Ghana and to cash pickup at banks such as Ecobank.

What the Bank of Ghana rules mean for you

The Bank of Ghana regulates how remittances come into the country. Its guidelines for payment service providers cover remittances paid into bank accounts and mobile money wallets, and say that the cedi equivalent is credited for payment to beneficiaries. In January 2026, the Bank of Ghana also published rules requiring every international money transfer operator serving Ghana to register with it and work with a licensed bank or payment service provider. Citi Newsroom reported that operators must issue electronic receipts and be open about fees and exchange rates.

In practice: remittances to your MoMo wallet arrive in cedis, the company should tell the sender the rate and fee up front, and you should get a record of the transaction. Ask the sender to compare the total cost across two or three services before sending.

How to spot a fake Western Union or MoneyGram notice

Scammers send emails, SMS and WhatsApp messages dressed up as transfer notices. They usually say something like:

"WESTERN UNION: A transfer of $2,500 to you is on hold. Pay GH¢950 clearance fee to agent number 05X XXX XXXX to release your funds. MTCN will be sent after payment."

Signs it is fake:

• A fee to receive. The person sending pays the transfer fee. A real transfer company will not ask you to send MoMo to an "agent" to release money.
• You were not expecting it. A transfer from someone you have never met, a "prize", an "inheritance" or a "compensation fund". Western Union lists advance fee and prize scams among the most common it sees.
• Gmail or Yahoo senders. Real companies do not email you from free accounts.
• Pressure. "Pay within 24 hours or the money returns to sender."
• A "romantic partner" abroad whose money is always stuck. See our guide to romance scam warning signs.

To check a real transfer, ask the person you know who sent it for the tracking number, then use the official app or website of the company, or go to an agent or bank yourself. Western Union asks people to forward fake emails to spoof@westernunion.com.

Fake bank and MoMo "money from abroad" alerts

Another trick is a fake SMS saying a large foreign transfer has landed in your account, followed by a call asking you to send part of it back, pay a "conversion fee", or share a code. Always check your real balance in your bank app or by dialling your MoMo menu. A text message is not money. Our guide on spotting fake MoMo and bank alerts shows what to look for.

If an unknown number calls about your transfer, you can look it up on TrustCheck before you do anything.

Money mule recruitment: the warning every young person needs

Some messages are not trying to take your money. They want to use your account. Common versions in Ghana:

• "I am abroad and my account is blocked. Can my client send money to your account? I will give you 10%."
• A "remote job" as a "payment processing agent" who receives transfers and forwards them by MoMo or crypto.
• Someone offering cash to "rent" your bank account, MoMo wallet or app account.
• An online lover who needs you to receive money for them and send it on.

The money is usually stolen from scam victims overseas. The FBI says money mules who move illegally obtained money are committing a crime even if they did not know, and can be held liable to repay victims. When the fraud is traced, the account holder's name and Ghana Card are what investigators see. Your account can be frozen and you can be arrested.

The simple rule: never let anyone send money through your account that is not yours. A real employer will not ask you to use your personal account to move their money. Read more in our guide to fake job offers in Ghana.

A safe routine for receiving money from abroad

1. Only receive from people you know, or from clients with a contract or invoice.
2. Give the sender your details yourself. Do not let a third party "arrange" the transfer.
3. Make sure your bank or MoMo account is in your own name and registered with your Ghana Card.
4. Check the money in your real balance before you spend it or send any to anyone.
5. Never pay a fee to receive money, and never share PINs or codes.
6. Keep records of every transfer, especially if you get regular income from abroad.

What to do if you were scammed

• If you paid a fake "clearance fee" by MoMo, call your network immediately (MTN, Telecel or AT) and ask them to block the recipient.
• If you sent money through a transfer company and it has not been collected, contact that company at once. Western Union says it can sometimes refund money that has not yet been picked up.
• If you realise you received money for someone else, stop. Do not forward any more. Talk to your bank and the police.
• Report to the Cyber Security Authority (call or text 292) and the Ghana Police Service.

Then report the number on TrustCheck so others are warned. Our guide on how to report a scam in Ghana has every contact you need.