Restaurant Impersonation Scams Cost Ghanaians Nearly GH¢300,000 In Six Months

Restaurant and food vendor impersonation scams cost victims almost GH¢300,000 in the first half of 2026, according to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), as cybercriminals increasingly target customers through fake business listings on Google.

The CSA said it recorded 112 cases involving vendors and customers between January and June this year, up from 61 cases during the same period in 2025. Financial losses also rose sharply from GH¢84,592 last year to GH¢296,083.68.

In a public alert, the authority said fraudsters create fake online profiles or alter the contact details of legitimate restaurants and food vendors on Google Search, Google Maps and other online platforms to deceive customers.

According to the CSA, the scammers exploit Google’s “suggest an edit” feature, claim unverified business profiles or create duplicate listings by replacing genuine phone numbers with fraudulent ones.

Some also pay for sponsored advertisements to ensure the fake contact details appear prominently in search results.

Customers who unknowingly contact the fraudsters are asked to place food orders and make payments through mobile money or fraudulent payment links. After receiving payment, the scammers stop communicating, and the food is never delivered.

The Authority also warned that some fake payment links are designed to collect personal information, including customers’ names, delivery addresses and mobile phone numbers.

It said the information can later be used to carry out unauthorised financial transactions.

The CSA urged the public to verify restaurant and food vendor contact details through official websites, verified social media accounts or trusted food delivery platforms before placing an order.

It also advised customers to avoid unfamiliar payment links, never share mobile money PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs) or banking credentials, and to confirm payment instructions directly with businesses using independently verified contact details.

Restaurants, food vendors, and other online businesses have also been advised to claim and verify their Google Business Profiles, prominently display their official contact numbers and approved payment channels, and regularly monitor their online listings for unauthorised changes or duplicate profiles.