If you have ordered food online recently, you may want to double-check the restaurant’s contact details before making a payment. A new alert from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) reveals that Ghanaians lost nearly GHS 300,000 to online restaurant scams in the first six months of 2026.
The scammers are not creating fake websites from scratch. Instead, they hijack legitimate Google business listings of real restaurants. They change the phone number on the listing to one they control. When a customer calls to place an order, the scammer takes the order and asks for payment via mobile money. After the payment is made, the scammer disappears and no food is delivered.
How the scam works and who is at risk
The CSA’s alert explains that the fraudsters target popular restaurants listed on Google. By taking over the business profile, they make the fake number appear as the official contact. Customers who search for a restaurant on Google and call the number listed are unknowingly connected to the scammer.
This scam affects anyone who orders food online, especially those who rely on Google to find restaurant contacts. It is particularly risky for people who pay in advance before receiving their order. The scam is not limited to any specific region in Ghana; it can happen anywhere.
The financial loss of GHS 296,000 in just six months shows that this is not a minor issue. For context, that amount could cover the monthly salaries of several small businesses. The actual number of victims may be higher, as not all cases are reported to the CSA.
What you can do to protect yourself
The CSA has provided several recommendations to help consumers avoid falling victim to these scams. Here are the key steps you can take:
- Verify the phone number directly with the restaurant. If you have ordered from a restaurant before, use the number you already know. For new restaurants, consider visiting their physical location or checking their official website for contact details.
- Cross-check the Google listing. Look for multiple sources that confirm the same phone number. Check the restaurant’s social media pages or ask friends who have ordered from there.
- Be cautious with advance payments. If a restaurant insists on full payment before delivery, especially via mobile money to a personal number, it could be a red flag. Legitimate restaurants often have business accounts or offer pay-on-delivery options.
- Report suspicious listings to Google. If you notice a listing with a changed phone number or other suspicious activity, you can report it through Google Maps. This helps protect other customers.
- Contact the CSA if you are scammed. The Cyber Security Authority encourages victims to report incidents. Reporting helps them track scam patterns and issue warnings.
Why this matters for Ghana’s growing online food market
Online food ordering is becoming more common in Ghana, especially in cities like Accra and Kumasi. Many people rely on Google to find new restaurants or to get contact details for delivery. This scam undermines trust in the entire online food ecosystem.
For restaurants, a hijacked listing can damage their reputation. Customers who are scammed may blame the restaurant, even though the restaurant is also a victim. Restaurants should regularly check their Google business profiles to ensure the information is correct and has not been tampered with.
The CSA’s alert is a timely reminder that cyber criminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit popular platforms. As more Ghanaians turn to online services, staying vigilant is essential.
If you plan to order food online, take a few extra minutes to verify the restaurant’s contact details. A small step can save you from losing money and the frustration of a missed meal.
