Cyber criminals have intensified their operations in Ghana, hijacking Google business listings to scam customers seeking food deliveries. According to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), victims lost GH¢296,083.68 between January and June 2026 — more than triple the GH¢84,592 recorded in the same period of 2025.
The number of reported cases also rose sharply from 61 to 112, highlighting the growing threat of these sophisticated digital frauds.
Fraudsters primarily target legitimate restaurants and food vendors by manipulating their online presence. They exploit Google’s “Suggest an edit” feature, claim ownership of unverified business profiles, or create duplicate listings.
Once in control, they replace genuine contact numbers and details with fraudulent ones on Google Search, Google Maps, and other platforms. In many instances, criminals further boost visibility by purchasing sponsored advertisements, ensuring fake listings appear prominently at the top of search results.
Customers searching for popular eateries are then directed to these impersonated profiles. After placing orders, they are instructed to make payments via mobile money transfers or suspicious payment links.
Once the money is sent, communication ceases and the ordered food is never delivered. In more advanced variants of the scam, victims are lured to fake websites where they unknowingly enter personal and banking information, leading to additional financial losses and potential identity theft.
The CSA has issued a strong public alert, urging consumers to exercise caution. Authorities recommend verifying restaurant contacts directly through official websites, verified social media accounts, or established food delivery apps before ordering.
Customers should never share mobile money PINs, one-time passwords, or banking credentials, and must avoid clicking unfamiliar payment links.
The Authority is also advising restaurants and online businesses to take proactive measures. This includes securing and regularly monitoring their Google Business Profiles for unauthorised changes, verifying all listings, and prominently displaying official contact information across multiple channels to help customers distinguish genuine businesses from imposters.
These scams exploit the convenience of digital ordering, underscoring the need for greater awareness and vigilance in Ghana’s growing online food market.
