The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has warned the public about a growing trend of restaurant and food vendor impersonation scams, where fraudsters deceive customers into making payments for food orders that are never delivered.
The Authority recorded 112 cases involving food vendors and customers between January and June this year, compared to 61 cases during the same period last year. The financial losses also increased from GH¢84,592 to GH¢296,083.68.
According to the CSA, fraudsters are taking advantage of online platforms, including Google Search and Google Maps, by manipulating legitimate business listings or creating fake profiles to mislead customers.
The scammers reportedly exploit features such as the “suggest an edit” option, take over unverified business profiles, create duplicate listings with fake contact numbers, and in some cases pay for advertisements to ensure fraudulent details appear prominently in search results.
Customers who contact these fake vendors are often asked to pay through mobile money or fraudulent payment links before their orders are processed. After payment, the scammers cut off communication, leaving victims without their food or refunds.
The CSA said some fake payment pages are also designed to collect personal information, including names, delivery addresses and mobile money details, which may later be used for unauthorised transactions.
The Authority has advised customers to verify restaurant and food vendor contacts through official websites, verified social media pages or trusted delivery platforms before making orders.
The public has also been cautioned against clicking on suspicious payment links, sharing sensitive information such as mobile money PINs, one-time passwords and banking credentials, and encouraged to pay only through secure and verified channels.
Restaurants and food vendors have been urged to claim and verify their Google Business Profiles, prominently display official contact details and regularly monitor their online listings for unauthorised changes or duplicate accounts.
The CSA further advised businesses to report fraudulent listings through Google’s Business Redressal Complaint Form.
The Authority reminded the public that its 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact remains available for support and guidance. Reports can be made via call or text to 292, WhatsApp on 0501603111, or email at report@csa.gov.gh.
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