The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has taken its nationwide cybersecurity awareness campaign to Maryland County, warning citizens about the growing threat of online fraud and urging internet users to adopt safer digital practices as cybercriminals continue to target vulnerable individuals.
Speaking at a citizens’ engagement and cybersecurity awareness forum held at the William V.S. Tubman University G-Stand in Harper City on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, LTA Chairperson Clarence Massaquoi described cybercrime as one of Liberia’s most serious emerging digital challenges, warning that more citizens are losing money, personal information, and valuable assets to online criminals.
Massaquoi said the rapid expansion of internet access and digital platforms across Liberia has created new opportunities for communication and economic activity, but has also provided cybercriminals with new avenues to exploit unsuspecting users.
He disclosed that online fraudsters are increasingly using fake scholarship opportunities, fraudulent investment schemes, identity theft, and other deceptive tactics to target Liberians, particularly young people seeking educational and economic opportunities.
“Cybercrime is no longer a distant problem; it is affecting ordinary Liberians every day,” Massaquoi said. “People must think twice before sharing personal information online or sending money to individuals whose identities they cannot verify.”
According to the LTA Chairperson, some citizens have lost significant amounts of money after being deceived by individuals posing as legitimate business operators, scholarship providers, or investment agents. Others, he noted, have been tricked into paying application fees for non-existent international scholarship programs or surrendering personal information that could be used for fraudulent activities.
He explained that cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated by using social media platforms, messaging applications, emails, and fake websites designed to appear authentic in order to gain the trust of potential victims.
Massaquoi cautioned internet users to remain vigilant when interacting online, emphasizing that criminals often rely on urgency, false promises, and emotional manipulation to convince victims into making financial commitments or revealing sensitive information.
He encouraged citizens to strengthen their online security by using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, protecting confidential information, and verifying the authenticity of individuals and organizations before conducting online transactions.
“Everyone has a role to play in protecting themselves and others from cybercrime,” he said. “Government institutions, schools, businesses, parents, and individual users must work together to build a safer digital environment for Liberia.”
The cybersecurity awareness forum brought together students, teachers, District Education Officers (DEOs), the Maryland County Education Officer (CEO), youth leaders, and other stakeholders as part of efforts to improve public understanding of online safety and responsible use of digital platforms.
The LTA Chairperson emphasized that young people remain among the most active users of digital technologies and must therefore be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and avoid online threats.
He said the Authority’s awareness campaign is designed not only to educate citizens about the dangers of cybercrime but also to promote responsible digital citizenship as Liberia continues to expand internet access and digital services.
Massaquoi assured participants that the LTA will continue conducting cybersecurity awareness engagements across the country to ensure that citizens in both urban and rural communities understand how to safely navigate the digital space.
He noted that increased awareness is critical to reducing cyber-related crimes and building public confidence in Liberia’s growing digital economy.
The Maryland County engagement forms part of the LTA’s broader national cybersecurity education initiative aimed at empowering citizens with practical knowledge to protect themselves against online scams, identity theft, and other forms of digital exploitation.
As Liberia continues its digital transformation agenda, the Authority said strengthening cybersecurity awareness remains essential to ensuring that citizens can benefit from technology while minimizing the risks associated with increased online activity.
