Ghanaians lost GHS 296,083.68 to online restaurant impersonation scams during the first half of 2026. This significant financial loss highlights a growing threat in the digital economy.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) revealed these figures, noting a sharp increase from the GHS 84,592 recorded in the same period of 2025. The number of reported scam cases also rose substantially, from 61 incidents in the first half of 2025 to 112 incidents this year. These scams primarily involve cyber criminals taking over business listings on Google and other online platforms.
This surge in online fraud reflects a broader challenge for Ghana's digital transformation efforts and consumer protection. As more businesses and consumers move online, the risk of cybercrime increases. The CSA's alert underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures and increased public awareness to safeguard financial transactions and personal data in the evolving digital landscape.
According to the CSA, fraudsters target legitimate restaurants and food vendors by changing their contact details on Google Search, Google Maps, and other online platforms. Some criminals abuse Google’s “Suggest an edit” feature, while others take control of unverified business profiles. They also create fake duplicate listings, replacing genuine phone numbers with fraudulent ones. In certain instances, scammers pay for sponsored adverts to ensure their fake contact information appears prominently in online search results.
Customers who unknowingly use these fake numbers place food orders and are directed to make payments through mobile money or fraudulent payment links. After receiving the money, the fraudsters cease communication and never deliver the food. The CSA also warned that some fake payment platforms are designed to steal victims’ personal and banking details, exposing them to even greater financial losses.
The implications of these scams extend beyond individual financial losses. They erode consumer trust in online services and can damage the reputation of legitimate businesses. This trend could also deter further adoption of digital payment systems, which are crucial for Ghana's economic growth and financial inclusion.
To mitigate these risks, the CSA has advised the public to confirm restaurant contact details through official websites, verified social media accounts, or trusted food delivery platforms before placing orders. It also urged customers never to disclose their mobile money PINs, one-time passwords, or banking credentials. Avoiding payments through unfamiliar links is another critical precaution.
The CSA further called on restaurants and other online businesses to secure and verify their Google Business Profiles. They should regularly monitor their online listings for unauthorised changes and clearly display their official contact details. These proactive measures can help prevent impersonation scams and protect both businesses and consumers from financial harm. The ongoing vigilance from both consumers and businesses will be essential in combating this rising tide of online fraud.