CSA warns of rising restaurant impersonation scams as cybercrime losses surge

Unsuspecting customers who contact the fake numbers are instructed to pay for food orders through mobile money or fraudulent online payment links.

In a public alert issued on July 16, the Authority said cybercriminals are creating or altering the contact details of genuine restaurants and food vendors on platforms such as Google Search and Google Maps to deceive customers into placing fake orders and making payments.

To reduce the risk of falling victim to the scam, the Authority urged the public to verify restaurant contact details through official websites, verified social media pages or trusted food delivery platforms before placing orders.