TrustGH, a Ghanaian public scam-verification platform, has uncovered nearly 1,000 suspicious mobile numbers. These numbers are associated with fraudulent Google Business Profiles impersonating major food chains and restaurants across Ghana. This digital investigation highlights a growing threat to consumers and businesses.
The findings follow an extensive open-source intelligence (OSINT) and digital analysis by TrustGH. This investigation focused on the online presence of major food businesses on Google Search and Google Maps. It examined suspicious business listings, telephone numbers, and other publicly available digital indicators.
Customers of Papaye, KFC, and Pizzaman Chickenman are among the most heavily targeted. TrustGH identified close to 100 suspected fraudulent Google Business Profiles for each of these three brands. Other affected businesses include Pinkberry, Marwako, 80/20 Burger, and Pizza Inn. This broad targeting shows the scale of the problem.
Scammers exploit the visibility and trust associated with established food brands. They create, modify, or manipulate Google Business Profiles to appear genuine. These fake profiles often contain legitimate-looking business names, locations, photographs, and menus. The critical security concern lies with the telephone number displayed on these fraudulent listings.
A customer searching for a nearby restaurant might call the number provided on a fake listing. The person answering the call then provides accurate information about menus and prices. This creates a convincing customer service interaction, reducing suspicion. The customer is then instructed to make payment through a mobile money number or payment link controlled by the scammer. This represents a form of digital identity and brand impersonation.
TrustGH's findings were developed through open-source intelligence gathering and analysis of publicly accessible information. The investigation focused on identifying anomalies and suspicious patterns in food-business listings. These include duplicated profiles and unusual telephone numbers. TrustGH stresses that a suspicious profile does not automatically prove criminal activity. These findings are risk indicators requiring further verification.
Google Search and Google Maps are vital tools for consumers seeking restaurants. Customers can quickly find branches, view opening hours, and get telephone numbers. This convenience, however, creates an opportunity for criminals. TrustGH believes consumers must understand that not all information on a Google profile is authentic. The fraudulent telephone number becomes the link between a legitimate search and a scam payment.
This food-chain investigation is part of TrustGH's wider public database. This database has received reports involving nearly 5,000 suspicious telephone numbers. These reports cover mobile money scams, fake online sellers, and fraudulent investment schemes. They also include fake recruitment offers and social media scams. The findings underscore the importance of consumer awareness and digital investigation.
TrustGH calls for stronger collaboration among Google, affected businesses, and the Cyber Security Authority. This collaboration aims to improve the detection, verification, and removal of fraudulent business listings. Consumers are urged to adopt a simple cybersecurity practice: verify before you pay. Customers should independently verify telephone numbers using official websites or verified social media accounts.