The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has warned the public about a growing online scam in which cybercriminals manipulate the contact details of legitimate restaurants and food vendors on platforms such as Google Search and Google Maps to defraud customers.
The Authority says scammers alter online business listings or create fake profiles containing fraudulent phone numbers and payment details. Unsuspecting customers who believe they are communicating with genuine restaurants place food orders and are subsequently directed to make payments to mobile money accounts controlled by the criminals. After receiving the money, the scammers reportedly cut off communication and fail to deliver the orders.
The CSA recorded 112 cases between January and June 2026, compared with 61 cases during the same period in 2025. Financial losses also increased sharply, rising from GH¢84,592 in the first half of 2025 to GH¢296,083.68 during the same period this year.
According to the Authority, fraudsters exploit features such as “suggest an edit” on Google listings to alter legitimate business information. Others reportedly claim unverified business profiles or create duplicate listings containing fake contact details. In some cases, the scammers purchase sponsored advertisements to ensure the fraudulent information appears prominently in search results.
The CSA further warned that some victims are directed to fake payment links disguised as order confirmation or payment processing platforms. These pages may request personal information, including names, delivery addresses and mobile money details, which could later be used to conduct unauthorised transactions and cause additional financial losses.
The Authority has advised members of the public to verify restaurant and food vendor contact details through official websites, verified social media pages or trusted delivery platforms before placing orders or making payments.
Consumers have also been urged to avoid unfamiliar payment links, consider paying after delivery and inspection where possible, and confirm payment instructions directly with vendors using independently verified contact details.
The CSA further cautioned the public never to share mobile money PINs, one-time passwords, banking details or other sensitive information, and not to approve payment prompts they did not initiate.
The Authority has encouraged consumers to monitor their mobile money accounts regularly and report suspicious transactions promptly. It said it is working with relevant stakeholders to address the growing scam and urged victims of cybercrime to report incidents through its cybercrime reporting channels.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
