By Collins Sarkodieh 
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding a surge in cyber fraud involving criminals who create fake online business listings to impersonate legitimate companies. As of April 30, 2026, the Authority has documented 54 cases of this specific scam, with victims suffering total financial losses amounting to GH¢266,195.00.
This fraudulent scheme targets users who rely on search engines and digital map services to find local services. By creating counterfeit profiles that mirror real businesses, threat actors trick unsuspecting customers into sharing sensitive financial data. The CSA emphasizes that the increasing sophistication of these social engineering tactics puts even digitally savvy individuals at risk, making rigorous verification a necessity for every online transaction.
How does the fake business listing scam actually work?
The fraud begins with criminals setting up counterfeit business profiles on search engines and map services that closely resemble authentic, well-known companies. These listings look professional and often appear at the top of search results, leading users to believe they are contacting a verified service provider.
Once a victim initiates contact, the fraudsters use social engineering to build trust before directing the user to fill out a “service processing” or “payment verification” form. These forms are designed to harvest critical data, including mobile phone numbers, transaction amounts, and mobile money PINs. Once the perpetrators have these details, they execute unauthorized transfers, draining the victim’s account in seconds.
What sensitive information are fraudsters targeting in these listings?
Criminals are primarily hunting for mobile money PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs), and banking credentials. They often hide these requests behind the pretext of an official online form required to “confirm” a service or “verify” a payment.
The CSA makes it very clear: no legitimate business will ever ask for your mobile money PIN or banking password to process an order. If a digital form asks for your PIN under the guise of “verification,” it is a definitive red flag. These perpetrators rely on the victim’s sense of urgency or their trust in the search engine’s results to bypass natural suspicion.
Why are digital map services and search engines being exploited?
Fraudsters exploit digital maps and search engines because these platforms are the primary “trust signals” for modern consumers. Most people assume that if a business appears on a major map service, it has been vetted, but criminals are finding ways to bypass these verification steps.
These fake listings often appear more accessible than the real ones, sometimes even featuring fake positive reviews to boost their ranking. Because users are looking for convenience, they may call the number listed on the map without double-checking the business’s actual official website. This reliance on “map-based listings” without secondary verification is exactly what the CSA warns is the weakest link in a user’s digital defense.
How can you verify if an online business listing is real or fake?
The best way to protect yourself is to verify business contact details through an official website or a secondary trusted source before starting any communication. Do not rely solely on the phone number or link provided in a search result or map entry.
You should also be highly suspicious of listings that have very few customer reviews or profiles that appear to have been created very recently. Genuine businesses usually have a history of engagement and a consistent digital footprint across multiple platforms. If the contact information on the map differs significantly from what is on the company’s official “Contact Us” page, treat the map listing as fraudulent.
Factual Insights into the 2026 Ghana Cyber Fraud Wave:
- Financial Impact: Total recorded losses from fake listings have reached GH¢266,195.00.
- Case Volume: 54 formal reports have been filed with the CSA regarding this specific scam.
- Report Date: The official warning was issued by the Cyber Security Authority on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
- Primary Targets: Mobile money (MoMo) users and people using search engines for local services.
- Critical Forbidden Data: The CSA stresses that you must never share your mobile money PIN or OTP with anyone.
- Verification Channels: Users are urged to use official company websites rather than map-based phone numbers.
- Reporting Point: A 24-hour incident reporting system is active for all victims and witnesses.
What should you do if you suspect a fraudulent business listing?
If you encounter a listing that seems suspicious or you have already been a victim of a scam, you should report it immediately to the CSA’s 24-hour reporting point of contact. Prompt reporting helps the Authority investigate the perpetrators and prevents more people from falling into the same trap.
The CSA provides several channels for assistance and guidance on online activities. By reporting these incidents, you provide the data necessary for the Authority to work with digital platforms to have the fake listings removed. Swift action is the best way to “short-circuit” the criminal’s operation before they can disappear and create a new fake profile.
How do you contact the Cyber Security Authority for help?
The CSA maintains a 24-hour Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact (PoC) specifically for these types of threats. Citizens can reach out via multiple platforms to seek guidance or report a crime.
- Call or Text: Dial 292.
- WhatsApp: Message 0501603111.
- Email: Reach out to [email protected].
These channels are designed to be accessible and provide a direct line to experts who can guide you on what to do if your financial information has been compromised. Keeping these numbers saved in your phone is a practical step for anyone engaging in regular online commerce.
Why is social engineering more dangerous than technical hacking?
Social engineering is dangerous because it targets human psychology—trust, fear, or urgency—rather than a computer’s firewall. Fraudsters don’t need to “hack” your phone if they can simply convince you to hand over your PIN through a convincing-looking form.
The CSA’s report shows that the victims weren’t victims of a software bug, but of a deceptive “human-to-human” interaction. This is why public education is the most effective defense. When people understand the “playbook” of the fraudster creating a fake profile, establishing contact, and then asking for a PIN—the criminals lose their power to manipulate.
What are the long-term impacts of this scam on Ghanaian businesses?
When fake listings proliferate, it undermines the trust that honest Ghanaian businesses have worked hard to build with their customers. Legitimate small businesses may lose revenue if customers become too afraid to use online search tools or digital maps to find local services.
This is why the CSA is urging a collective effort to report and verify. By protecting ourselves, we are also protecting the integrity of the digital economy. Verifying directly with a business representative through trusted contact channels ensures that money stays with real entrepreneurs rather than being siphoned off by cybercriminals.
Also Read: 32 Nigerians Arrested in Ghana For Cyber Fraud