Ghanaians lost nearly GH¢300,000 to online restaurant impersonation scams between January and June 2026, highlighting the growing risks associated with ordering food through online searches and digital platforms.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) disclosed that reported financial losses from the scam reached GH¢296,083.68 in the first half of 2026, representing more than a threefold increase from the GH¢84,592 recorded during the same period in 2025.
The number of reported cases also rose significantly, from 61 in the first six months of 2025 to 112 between January and June 2026.
The CSA said the fraud involves cybercriminals impersonating legitimate restaurants and food vendors by manipulating their contact information on platforms such as Google Search and Google Maps.
How the scam works
According to the Authority, fraudsters use several methods to redirect potential customers away from genuine businesses.
In some cases, scammers exploit Google’s “Suggest an edit” feature to alter the phone numbers or other contact details attached to legitimate business listings. Others take control of unverified business profiles or create duplicate listings designed to look like genuine restaurants.
Fraudsters may then replace the restaurant’s legitimate phone number with a number controlled by them. Some even pay for sponsored advertisements so that fake contact details appear prominently when potential customers search for restaurants online.
Customers who contact these numbers may believe they are speaking directly with the restaurant. They are then encouraged to place food orders and make advance payments through mobile money or payment links provided by the scammers.
After receiving the money, the fraudsters typically stop responding, leaving victims without the food they ordered and with little chance of recovering their funds.
The CSA warned that the risks extend beyond losing money for a meal. Some fake payment pages are designed to collect sensitive information, including banking details and other personal credentials, which criminals may use for additional fraudulent transactions.
CSA advises consumers to verify restaurant details
The Cyber Security Authority is urging consumers to take extra precautions before ordering food from businesses found through online searches.
Customers are advised to verify a restaurant’s contact information through its official website, verified social media accounts or trusted food delivery platforms before making an order or payment.
The public has also been cautioned against sharing sensitive information such as mobile money PINs, one-time passwords and banking credentials with anyone.
The CSA further advised consumers to be careful when clicking on unfamiliar payment links, particularly when the link is provided through an unexpected phone call, text message or social media conversation.
Businesses urged to secure online profiles
The warning also extends to restaurants and other businesses that rely on online platforms to attract customers.
The CSA is encouraging businesses to secure and verify their Google Business Profiles and regularly check their online listings for unauthorised changes.
Businesses are also advised to clearly display their official phone numbers and other verified contact details across their digital platforms, making it easier for customers to distinguish genuine business information from fraudulent listings.
The sharp increase in reported cases and financial losses, the Authority said, underscores the need for both consumers and businesses to remain vigilant as criminals increasingly exploit trusted online platforms to carry out fraud.
With more people relying on internet searches to find restaurants and place food orders, the CSA‘s warning serves as a reminder that customers should verify who they are dealing with before sending money or sharing sensitive personal information online.
