The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued an urgent public alert over a sharp rise in online restaurant and food vendor impersonation scams, warning that cybercriminals are hijacking the digital identities of popular eateries to defraud unsuspecting customers.
According to the Authority, reported cases increased from 61 during the same period last year to 112 between January and June 2026. The scams resulted in financial losses of GH¢296,083.68, compared to GH¢84,592 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The CSA said fraudsters are exploiting online platforms to intercept food orders and divert payments intended for legitimate restaurants.
The scammers alter genuine restaurant information on Google Search and Google Maps by abusing the “Suggest an edit” feature, create fake or duplicate business profiles with fraudulent contact details, and purchase sponsored advertisements to ensure the fake listings appear at the top of search results.
After customers place their orders, the fraudsters demand upfront payment through specific mobile money numbers or direct victims to phishing links disguised as order confirmation pages. Once payment is made or banking credentials are obtained, communication ceases and the food is never delivered.
The Cyber Security Authority urged the public to remain vigilant and verify restaurant contact details through official websites or verified social media accounts before placing orders.
It also advised customers to pay only after food has been delivered and inspected, never disclose mobile money PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs) or banking credentials through unverified links, and reject any mobile money payment prompts they did not personally initiate.
The Authority says heightened public awareness and caution remain the most effective defence against the growing wave of online food delivery scams.
