Nearly 1,000 suspicious numbers linked to fake food business profiles – Report

A recent survey by TrustGH, a Ghanaian scam-verification and reporting platform, has identified nearly 1,000 suspicious telephone numbers linked to fraudulent Google Business Profiles impersonating major food chains and restaurants in Ghana.

The findings are based on an open-source intelligence (OSINT) and digital investigation into the online presence of major food businesses on Google Search and Google Maps.

According to the report, customers of Papaye, KFC and Pizzaman Chickenman are among those most heavily targeted, with close to 100 suspected fraudulent Google Business Profiles identified in connection with each of the three brands.

Other food businesses identified include Pinkberry, Marwako, 80/20 Burger, Pizza Inn, Eddy’s Pizza, Papa’s Pizza, Noble House, Starbite, Chicken Inn, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Frankie’s, Honeysuckle, Flicks & Licks, Chicken Republic and ChopShop.

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The report said suspected scammers are exploiting the visibility and reputation of established food brands by creating, modifying or manipulating Google Business Profiles to make them appear to be genuine restaurant branches.

Some of the profiles reportedly contain legitimate-looking business names, locations, photographs, menus, opening hours and other information copied from genuine businesses.

The organisation said the telephone numbers displayed on the fraudulent listings pose a significant risk, as customers searching for nearby restaurants may assume they belong to legitimate outlets.

“The person answering the call then provide accurate information about menus, prices, branches and ordering procedures,” the report said.

It explained that such interactions could make the scams more convincing because customers may have little reason to suspect they are dealing with an impostor.

Customers may subsequently be instructed to make payments through mobile money numbers or payment links controlled by suspected scammers, according to the report.

The organisation described the practice as a form of digital identity and brand impersonation, in which criminals exploit trusted online business information to deceive consumers and facilitate fraudulent transactions.

Nearly 5,000 suspicious numbers reported

The investigation forms part of a wider database that has received reports involving nearly 5,000 suspicious telephone numbers.

The reports cover suspected mobile money scams, fake online sellers, fraudulent investment and banking schemes, impersonation, fake recruitment offers, social media scams, loan scams, vehicle and property fraud, phishing and other suspicious activities.

However, the organisation cautioned that the presence of a suspicious profile or telephone number does not, by itself, constitute proof of criminal activity.

“The findings represent risk indicators identified through OSINT and digital analysis, and individual cases require appropriate verification,” it said.

It also noted that the number of suspicious listings could change as fraudulent profiles are created, modified, suspended or removed.

TrustGH has called for greater collaboration among Google, affected businesses, the Cyber Security Authority and other relevant stakeholders to improve the detection and removal of fraudulent business listings.

The platform is also urging consumers to independently verify restaurant telephone numbers before making payments. Customers who find restaurants through Google Search or Google Maps should cross-check the numbers with those published on the businesses’ official websites or verified social media accounts.

The public is further encouraged to report suspicious numbers to help build intelligence on potential scams and alert other consumers.

MA