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| A snapshot picture of the woman who spearheaded the process and got scammed and the attached picture is the logo of ChickenMan PiazzaMan - All picture credits to rightful owners. |
• Fake ChickenMan PizzaMan Google Listing Linked to Major Savings Wipeout
• Trusting a Popular Food Brand Ends in Total Financial Ruin for Grieving Family
A disturbing case of online fraud has surfaced after a Ghanaian woman reportedly lost a total of GH¢41,000 to scammers who impersonated the popular fast-food brand, ChickenMan PizzaMan, using a fake Google business listing and a cloned ordering website.
The incident, which has triggered widespread public sympathy and anger on social media, was revealed through a self-recorded video in which the woman tearfully narrated how a simple attempt to order food turned into a devastating financial loss for her family.
According to the victim, she and her sister decided to order food from ChickenMan PizzaMan and proceeded to search for the restaurant’s contact details on Google. Unbeknownst to them, cybercriminals had created a fraudulent Google business profile closely resembling the legitimate ChickenMan PizzaMan brand, complete with a convincing business name and contact number.
Trusting the Google search result, the woman used her sister’s phone number to place a call. The individuals on the other end presented themselves as representatives of ChickenMan PizzaMan and directed her to proceed with the order through an online process.
She explained that the scammers sent her a link, which opened a professionally designed website containing what appeared to be a standard food ordering form. Believing everything to be legitimate, she filled out the form as instructed.
Shortly after submitting the order details, the woman said she received a prompt requesting a code, which she assumed was part of the normal ordering or payment verification process. She entered the code without hesitation.
She alleged that the scammers gained access to her sister’s bank account and mobile money wallet, draining both completely. In total, GH¢41,000 was allegedly stolen within a very short time, leaving the family financially devastated.
In her emotional account, the woman revealed that the stolen funds were not just personal savings, but money set aside to cover the funeral expenses of their late father. The loss, she said, has left the family in shock, distress, and uncertainty over how they will proceed with the burial arrangements.
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| The victims picture |
Visibly shaken, she appealed directly to ChickenMan PizzaMan, stating that her trust in the brand’s reputation played a major role in her decision to proceed with the transaction. She urged the company to step in, help investigate the fake online presence, and assist in addressing the situation.
This incident highlights a growing trend in Ghana where scammers exploit well-known brands by creating fake Google business listings, cloned websites, and fraudulent customer service numbers. These scams are often difficult for ordinary users to detect, as they closely mimic legitimate digital platforms.
Cybercrime experts have warned that scammers increasingly rely on search engines, social media, and sponsored listings to lure unsuspecting victims, particularly those making quick decisions or urgent purchases.
Security analysts and financial institutions have consistently cautioned the public against sharing verification codes, one-time passwords (OTPs), or authorization prompts with third parties, regardless of how legitimate they may appear. Such codes often grant scammers direct access to bank or mobile money accounts.
Members of the public are advised to:
Verify official contact details directly from a company’s verified website or official social media pages
- Avoid clicking links sent via unsolicited messages or calls
- Never share verification or authorization codes with anyone
- Report suspected fraud immediately to banks, mobile money operators, and the police
As of now, it remains unclear whether the stolen funds can be recovered or whether law enforcement agencies have formally taken up the case. The emotional toll on the family, however, is already evident.
The case has sparked renewed calls for stronger regulation of online business listings, improved public education on digital fraud, and faster response mechanisms from financial institutions when fraudulent transactions are detected.
What began as a routine food order has now become a painful lesson in the dangers of online impersonation, underscoring how easily trust in reputable brands can be exploited by cybercriminals—and how devastating the consequences can be for ordinary families.
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