Cyber Security Authority Warns of 250% Surge in Restaurant Impersonation Scams as Victims Lose Nearly GH¢300,000

Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued an urgent warning following a massive spike in restaurant and food vendor impersonation scams. According to official data, victims lost a total of GH¢296,083.68 during the first half of 2026, representing a staggering 250% increase from the GH¢84,592 reported in the same period of 2025. The number of reported cases also saw a significant surge, rising from 61 to 112. This trend highlights a growing threat to the nation's digital economy and consumer safety, particularly as more citizens rely on digital platforms for daily transactions.\n\nThe scams typically involve cybercriminals manipulating online business listings, particularly Google Business Profiles, to deceive unsuspecting customers. Fraudsters alter the contact information and payment details of legitimate restaurants, leading patrons to place orders and send money via mobile platforms to the criminals instead of the actual vendors. By the time the customer realizes the meal is not coming, the perpetrators have often disappeared with the funds, exploiting the trust consumers place in established local brands and the convenience of mobile money services.\n\nTo combat this rise in fraud, the CSA has advised the public to exercise extreme caution when ordering food online. Recommendations include verifying restaurant contact details through multiple official sources and avoiding any unfamiliar or suspicious payment links. Furthermore, the Authority is calling on restaurant owners to take proactive steps to secure their digital footprints. This includes claiming and regularly monitoring their Google Business Profiles to ensure that their information remains accurate and that any unauthorized changes are reported immediately to both the platform and the CSA.\n\nAs digital commerce continues to expand under the administration of President John Mahama, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. The CSA continues to emphasize the need for digital vigilance and encourages anyone who encounters a potential scam to report it through their official channels. These incidents serve as a stark reminder that as Ghana moves further into the digital age, both businesses and consumers must prioritize security to protect their financial interests and maintain the integrity of the marketplace.