Fake Restaurant Scams Cost Ghanaians Nearly GH¢300,000 in Six Months, Prompting CSA Warning

Ghana’s rapid shift towards digital commerce is exposing consumers to a growing wave of cyber fraud, with fake online restaurant listings costing victims nearly GH¢300,000 in the first half of 2026, according to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).

The Authority said Ghanaians lost GH¢296,083.68 between January and June after fraudsters impersonated legitimate restaurants and food vendors, more than tripling losses recorded during the same period last year. The number of reported cases also climbed to 112, compared with 61 a year earlier, underscoring the increasing scale of digitally enabled consumer fraud.

The scams typically begin when criminals manipulate online business listings by replacing genuine restaurant contact details with fraudulent phone numbers on platforms such as Google Search and Google Maps. Unsuspecting customers searching for restaurants are then directed to the scammers, who request advance payments through mobile money or fraudulent payment links for meals that are never delivered.

In some cases, victims are persuaded to disclose sensitive financial information, exposing them to further unauthorised transactions beyond the initial food order.

The sharp increase highlights the darker side of Ghana’s expanding digital economy, where greater reliance on online platforms has created new opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit consumer trust. Industry observers say the trend illustrates how cyber threats are evolving beyond traditional phishing schemes into targeted impersonation attacks against everyday services.

The CSA attributed the fraud to tactics including unauthorised edits to business profiles, the creation of duplicate restaurant listings and the use of sponsored advertisements that elevate fake contact details in online search results.

In response, the Authority urged consumers to verify restaurant contact information through official websites, verified social media accounts or reputable food delivery platforms before making any payments. It also advised the public never to share mobile money PINs, one-time passwords or banking credentials with unknown parties.

Restaurant operators were encouraged to strengthen their digital presence by claiming and verifying their Google Business Profiles, routinely monitoring listings for suspicious changes and reporting fraudulent accounts promptly.

The warning comes as Ghana continues to accelerate digital adoption across retail and financial services, reinforcing the need for stronger cybersecurity awareness among businesses and consumers alike. As online transactions become increasingly embedded in daily life, regulators say safeguarding digital identities will be critical to sustaining confidence in the country’s fast-growing digital marketplace.