Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has reported a significant increase in food delivery scams, with 112 cases recorded between January and June 2026. These fraudulent activities led to financial losses amounting to GHS 296,083.68 during this period. This figure represents a sharp rise from the 61 cases and GHS 84,592 in losses reported during the first half of 2025.
The scams primarily involve cybercriminals altering the contact details of legitimate restaurants and food vendors on popular online platforms. These platforms include Google Search and Google Maps. Fraudsters manipulate online business listings to redirect unsuspecting customers to fraudulent phone numbers and payment channels. Victims then pay for food orders that are never delivered, resulting in direct financial loss.
This surge in online fraud highlights a growing vulnerability within Ghana's digital economy. As more Ghanaians embrace online services for convenience, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting these platforms. The trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns to protect consumers. The economic impact of such scams erodes consumer trust in digital transactions and affects the broader e-commerce ecosystem.
The CSA explained that fraudsters often use features like “suggest an edit” on Google listings. They also claim unverified business profiles or create duplicate listings with fake contact information. In some instances, criminals purchase sponsored advertisements to ensure their fraudulent details appear prominently in search results. Customers, believing they are interacting with genuine businesses, place orders and are instructed to make payments to specified mobile money accounts. Communication ceases after payment, and the food is never delivered.
The Authority also warned about fraudulent payment links presented as order confirmation or payment processing pages. These deceptive pages often request personal information, including names, delivery addresses, and mobile money details. The CSA stated that criminals can use such information to carry out unauthorised transactions, leading to further financial losses for victims. This method of phishing for personal data poses an additional layer of risk beyond just the initial payment.
To combat this rising threat, the CSA has advised the public to take several precautions. Customers should confirm restaurant contacts through official websites, verified social media pages, or trusted delivery platforms. They must avoid unfamiliar payment links and consider payment after delivery and inspection where possible. Crucially, individuals should never share mobile money PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs), banking details, or other sensitive information. The CSA also recommends avoiding approval of payment prompts not initiated by the user and confirming payment instructions directly with vendors using independently verified contacts. Regular monitoring of mobile money accounts and immediate reporting of suspicious transactions are also vital steps.
The CSA is actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address this growing trend. They encourage all victims of online scams to report incidents through their official cybercrime reporting channels. This collective effort is essential to track and mitigate the impact of these sophisticated scams. The increasing concerns over cybercrime in Ghana underscore the need for continuous vigilance and robust digital security frameworks to protect citizens and the economy.