TrustGH, a public scam-verification and reporting platform, has uncovered nearly 1,000 suspicious mobile numbers allegedly linked to fraudulent Google Business Profiles impersonating major food chains and restaurants in Ghana.
The findings are contained in an investigation conducted by TrustGH using open-source intelligence (OSINT) and digital analysis of business listings, telephone numbers and other publicly available information on Google Search and Google Maps.
According to TrustGH, customers of Papaye, KFC and Pizzaman Chickenman are among the most heavily targeted, with close to 100 suspected fraudulent profiles identified in connection with each of the three brands.
Other food businesses identified in the investigation include Pinkberry, Marwako, 80/20 Burger, Pizza Inn, Eddy’s Pizza, Papa’s Pizza, Noble House, Starbite, Chicken Inn, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Frankie’s, Honeysuckle, Flicks & Licks, Chicken Republic and ChopShop.
How the suspected scam works
TrustGH said scammers appear to be exploiting the visibility and reputation of established food brands by creating, modifying or manipulating Google Business Profiles to make them appear to be legitimate restaurant branches.
Some of the suspected fraudulent profiles reportedly contain business names, locations, photographs, menus, opening hours and other details copied from genuine businesses.
The platform identified the telephone numbers displayed on such listings as a major security concern.
A customer searching for a nearby restaurant may see what appears to be an authentic Google listing and call the number provided to place an order.
TrustGH said the person answering the call may provide accurate information about the restaurant’s menus, prices, branches and ordering procedures, creating a convincing customer-service interaction.
The customer may then be directed to make payment through a mobile money number or payment link controlled by the suspected scammer.
TrustGH described the practice as a form of digital identity and brand impersonation, in which criminals exploit trusted online business information to deceive consumers into completing fraudulent transactions.
TrustGH cautions on findings
TrustGH stressed that the presence of a suspicious profile or telephone number does not, by itself, constitute conclusive proof of criminal activity.
It said the findings represent risk indicators identified through OSINT and digital analysis, adding that individual cases require appropriate verification.
The platform also noted that the number of suspicious listings could change as fraudulent profiles are created, modified, suspended or removed.
According to TrustGH, Google Search and Google Maps have become important tools for consumers looking for restaurants, allowing them to quickly find nearby branches, opening hours, reviews and telephone numbers.
However, it cautioned that the presence of a business on Google does not automatically guarantee that every piece of information displayed on its profile is authentic.
Nearly 5,000 suspicious numbers reported
The investigation into food businesses forms part of TrustGH’s wider public database, which has received reports involving nearly 5,000 suspicious telephone numbers.
The reports cover mobile money scams, fake online sellers, fraudulent investment and banking schemes, fake recruitment offers, impersonation, social media scams, loan scams, vehicle and property fraud, phishing and other suspicious activities.
TrustGH said the findings highlight the need for stronger collaboration between Google, affected businesses, the Cyber Security Authority and other relevant stakeholders to improve the detection, verification and removal of fraudulent business listings.
TrustGH urges consumers to verify before paying
The platform is urging consumers to independently verify restaurant contact details before making payments following an online search.
It advised customers who find a restaurant through Google Search or Google Maps to cross-check the telephone number using the restaurant’s official website, verified social media account or another trusted channel.
Consumers can also check suspicious numbers on TrustGH.com to determine whether they have previously been reported.
TrustGH further encouraged members of the public to report suspicious numbers to help build a broader intelligence picture and potentially alert other consumers.
The platform’s central advice is simple: verify before you pay, check suspicious numbers and report suspected scams.
