The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a public alert warning of a surge in online impersonation scams targeting restaurants and food vendors, with financial losses tripling in the first half of 2026.
Between January and June, the CSA recorded 112 cases compared to 61 over the same period last year, with losses rising sharply from GHS 84,592 to GHS 296,083. Criminals are reported to be manipulating Google Search and Google Maps listings to trick unsuspecting customers into making payments to fraudulent accounts.
According to the CSA, fraudsters exploit features such as “suggest an edit” and “claim this business” to alter or duplicate legitimate profiles. Victims are then directed to pay through personal mobile money numbers or fraudulent links, after which the fraudsters disappear without delivering food. In some cases, stolen credentials have been used to withdraw funds directly from customer accounts.
The Authority has urged the public to verify vendor contact details through official websites, social media pages, or trusted delivery platforms before placing orders. Customers are advised to insist on payment after delivery, avoid sharing personal information such as PINs or IDs, and report suspicious activity immediately to their network operators.
The CSA further encouraged restaurants and food vendors to claim and verify their Google Business Profiles, display official contact numbers and payment channels, and regularly review their online details to prevent impersonation.
The Authority maintains a 24‑hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact for assistance. Reports can be made via call or text to 292, WhatsApp to 0501603111, or email at report@csa.gov.gh.
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