Nearly 1,000 Fake Numbers Used to Clone Restaurant Google Profiles Across Ghana

A sophisticated scam operation has put thousands of Ghanaian restaurant customers at risk, with scammers cloning the Google Business Profiles of major food chains to steal money and personal information. Local scam-verification platform TrustGH has uncovered nearly 1,000 fake mobile numbers being used to impersonate legitimate establishments, including popular chains like KFC, Papaye, and Pizzaman.

The fraud scheme works by creating duplicate Google Business listings with altered contact numbers. When customers search for these restaurants online and call the listed numbers, they reach scammers instead of the actual businesses. Victims may be tricked into paying for orders that never arrive, providing payment card details, or revealing personal information that can be used for further fraud.

How the Scam Operates

Google Business Profiles are a critical tool for restaurants to maintain their online presence and connect with customers. Scammers exploit this by setting up fake profiles that closely mirror the legitimate ones, often with nearly identical names and location details. The slight variations in contact numbers are sometimes the only difference visible to unsuspecting customers.

The scale of the operation—nearly 1,000 fake numbers—suggests this is an organised criminal network rather than isolated fraudsters. Affected restaurants include some of Ghana's most recognisable food service brands, meaning the scam has significant reach across the country.

Why It Matters for Ghana

This scam highlights growing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Ghana's digital economy. As more Ghanaians conduct business online and rely on digital payment methods, fraudsters are adapting their tactics accordingly. The targeting of established restaurant chains suggests scammers are sophisticated enough to focus on high-traffic businesses where customer demand is consistent.

For consumers, the risk is twofold: financial loss from fraudulent payments and identity theft if personal details are compromised. For businesses, fake profiles damage their reputation and customer trust. The discovery by TrustGH also raises questions about Google's verification systems and how quickly fraudulent profiles can be reported and removed.

This incident underscores the need for stronger collaboration between technology platforms, local businesses, and law enforcement to protect Ghana's digital ecosystem. As digital commerce continues to grow in the country, scams like these could deter consumers from trusting online food delivery and ordering services.

Protecting Yourself from This Scam

• Verify phone numbers independently by visiting the restaurant's official website or calling a known store location directly
• Be cautious of Google Business listings with very recent creation dates or unusual contact details
• Never share payment card information over phone calls initiated from search results
• Report suspicious profiles to Google and alert the business directly
• Use verified payment platforms that offer fraud protection rather than direct bank transfers

TrustGH's investigation serves as a timely reminder for Ghanaians to remain vigilant when making purchases online. Consumers are urged to verify business authenticity before completing transactions, particularly when contacting businesses for the first time through search results.