Omanghana
Ghanaians lost GH¢296,083.68 to online restaurant impersonation scams between January and June 2026, according to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
The authority disclosed that the figure represents a sharp increase from the GH¢84,592 recorded during the same period in 2025, highlighting the growing threat posed by cybercriminals targeting consumers ordering food online.
The CSA said the rise in cases underscores the need for greater public awareness and caution when using online platforms to order meals.
Cases Nearly Double
According to the authority, reported cases of restaurant impersonation scams increased from 61 incidents in the first half of 2025 to 112 cases during the corresponding period in 2026.
The scams primarily involve fraudsters posing as legitimate restaurants to deceive customers into making payments for food that is never delivered.
The CSA noted that some of Ghana’s most popular food brands have been impersonated by scammers, including KFC, Papaye, Pizzaman, and Marwako.
How the Scams Work
The Cyber Security Authority explained that fraudsters employ several tactics to trick unsuspecting customers.
One common method involves altering business contact information on online platforms such as Google Search and Google Maps. Criminals reportedly exploit features that allow users to suggest edits or claim unverified business profiles, replacing genuine restaurant phone numbers with fraudulent ones.
Scammers also create fake social media accounts and sponsored online advertisements designed to resemble official restaurant pages.
Once customers make contact, they are persuaded to pay in advance through Mobile Money (MoMo), often with promises of faster order processing. After receiving payment, the fraudsters disappear without delivering the food.
In more sophisticated cases, victims are tricked into revealing sensitive information such as Mobile Money PINs or one-time passwords (OTPs) under the pretext of resolving payment issues, allowing criminals to steal additional funds from their accounts.
Police Crack Down on Syndicates
The CSA said law enforcement agencies have stepped up efforts to combat the growing scam.
According to the authority, the Cybercrime Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) recently arrested a 10-member syndicate allegedly involved in operating fake online restaurant platforms in Sogakope, Accra, and Kumasi.
Investigations into the activities of the group are ongoing.
CSA Issues Safety Tips
To reduce the risk of falling victim to online restaurant scams, the Cyber Security Authority has advised the public to exercise caution when placing food orders online.
The authority urged consumers to:
- Verify restaurant contact details through official websites or authenticated social media pages.
- Avoid making payments through unfamiliar or unverified links.
- Never disclose Mobile Money PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs), or other sensitive financial information to anyone claiming to represent a restaurant.
- Confirm payment requests before transferring money to online vendors.
The CSA encouraged anyone who suspects fraudulent activity to report the matter promptly to the appropriate authorities.
The authority says increased vigilance by consumers, coupled with ongoing law enforcement efforts, will be crucial in tackling the growing menace of online restaurant impersonation scams in Ghana.
Source: Omanghana
