Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a public alert over a surge in online scams where cybercriminals impersonate well-known brands on Google Maps and search engine listings to defraud consumers.
According to the regulator, fraudsters are creating fake business profiles or manipulating search results to divert users to counterfeit phone numbers, websites, and addresses. Victims are then lured into sharing one-time passwords (OTPs) and PINs, enabling theft from mobile money wallets and unauthorized payments.
Industries most frequently targeted include fast-food chains, consumer electronics, and courier services, with scammers posing as customer service representatives. The CSA noted that many of the fraudulent listings appear at the top of search results, often as paid adverts, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish them from legitimate businesses.
About 350 cases of online fraud were reported in early 2025, indicating a growing number of victims targeted by scammers exploiting digital platforms.
In the first quarter of 2025, Ghana recorded an approximately GH₵4.4 million financial losses due to cyber fraud , nearly doubling the GH₵2.4 million lost in the same period in 2024.
The Authority urged the public to verify business contact details only through official websites or verified company platforms and warned against disclosing sensitive information online. It further advised companies to monitor their digital presence, proactively publish verified contact information, and secure official toll-free numbers to reduce impersonation risks.
