Over GH¢296,000 lost to restaurant impersonation scams in six months — CSA

Victims have lost GH¢296,083.68 to restaurant and food-vendor impersonation scams between January and June 2026, says the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).

The amount, according to the CSA, represents a sharp increase from the GH¢84,592 recorded during the same period in 2025.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, the authority said it recorded 112 cases involving vendors and customers within the first half of the year, up from 61 cases reported during the corresponding period last year.

According to the Authority, fraudsters manipulate contact details of genuine restaurants and food vendors by abusing features such as “suggest an edit” on Google platforms, claiming unverified business profiles or creating duplicate listings with fake phone numbers.

"The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is tracking a growing scam in which cybercriminals create and, in some cases, alter the contact details of legitimate restaurants and food vendors on Google Search, Google Maps, and other online platforms to trick unsuspecting customers," the statement read in part.

The CSA said some scammers also pay for sponsored advertisements to push fraudulent contact details to the top of search results, causing unsuspecting customers to communicate with them instead of the legitimate businesses.

After receiving food orders, the fraudsters allegedly demand payment through mobile money or fraudulent links designed to steal customers’ personal information, including mobile money numbers and other credentials.

"Once the victim submits the requested information, the fraudsters use the credentials to perform unauthorised transactions, resulting in financial losses," said the authority.

The Authority advised the public to verify restaurant contacts through official websites, verified social media pages or trusted delivery platforms before placing orders.

It also urged customers to avoid sharing mobile money PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs) and banking details.

The authority further encouraged businesses to verify their Google Business Profiles and regularly monitor their online listings for unauthorised changes.