The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has disclosed that Ghanaians lost GH¢296,083.68 to online restaurant impersonation scams between January and June 2026, with reported cases rising sharply compared to the same period last year.

In a statement issued on July 16, 2026, the Authority said the financial losses recorded in the first half of this year were more than three times the GH¢84,592 reported during the corresponding period in 2025.

The CSA also noted a surge in reported incidents, increasing from 61 cases in 2025 to 112 cases in 2026, as cyber criminals continue to exploit online platforms to deceive customers.

According to the Authority, fraudsters are impersonating legitimate restaurants and food vendors by manipulating business listings on platforms such as Google Search and Google Maps.

The statement explained that criminals are using methods including Google’s ‘Suggest an edit’ feature, claiming unverified business profiles, or creating duplicate listings to replace genuine restaurant contact details with fraudulent phone numbers.

Some scammers, the CSA added, are also purchasing sponsored advertisements to ensure fake contacts appear at the top of search results, making it easier to lure customers.

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The Authority said unsuspecting victims are often instructed to make payments through mobile money or fraudulent payment links after placing food orders.

“Once payment is made, communication ends and the food is never delivered,” the CSA stated, adding that some victims are also tricked into providing personal and banking information through fake payment pages.

The CSA has urged the public to verify restaurant contact details through official websites, verified social media pages or trusted food delivery platforms before making payments.

It further advised consumers not to share mobile money PINs, one-time passwords or banking credentials and to avoid clicking on unfamiliar payment links.

The Authority also called on restaurants and other online businesses to secure their Google Business Profiles, monitor their listings regularly for unauthorised changes and prominently display official contact details to reduce the risk of impersonation.

Read the statement below

Public Alert ‼️ pic.twitter.com/Djquhij58f

— Cyber Security Authority Ghana (@CSAGhana) July 22, 2026