Online restaurant scams cost Ghanaians nearly GH¢300,000 in first half of 2026 - CSA

Ghanaians lost almost GH¢300,000 to online restaurant impersonation scams between January and June 2026, a report by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has shown.

The Authority revealed that victims lost a total of GH¢296,083.68 in the first six months of the year, compared to GH¢84,592 over the same period in 2025.

Reported cases also rose sharply from 61 to 112 year‑on‑year.

“Between January and June this year, the SA recorded 112 cases from vendors and customers, up from 61 over the same period last year, with financial losses rising from GHS84,592.00 to GHS 296,083.68,” CSA said in a statement.

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The Authority explained that scammers are manipulating online business listings by changing the contact details of legitimate restaurants on Google Search, Google Maps and other digital platforms.

According to the CSA, the fraudsters use several tactics, including exploiting Google’s “Suggest an edit” feature, taking control of unverified business profiles and creating fake duplicate listings.

Some also pay for sponsored advertisements to make fraudulent phone numbers appear at the top of search results.

Customers who unknowingly use these fake contacts are asked to pay for food orders through mobile money or fraudulent payment links. After receiving the payment, the scammers cut off communication and fail to deliver the food.

In some cases, victims are redirected to fake payment websites where they are tricked into providing sensitive, personal and banking information, leading to additional financial losses.

The CSA has advised the public to confirm restaurant contact details through official websites, verified social media accounts or trusted food delivery platforms before placing orders.

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It also warned consumers never to disclose mobile money PINs, one-time passwords or banking credentials, and to avoid making payments through unfamiliar links.

“Never share your mobile money PIN, OTP, banking credentials or other personal

information on any website or with any individual. Do not approve payment prompts you did not initiate,” it stated.

The Authority further urged restaurants and other businesses to verify and secure their Google Business Profiles, regularly monitor their online listings for unauthorised changes, and clearly display their official contact information to help prevent impersonation scams.

DR/SA