Three individuals involved in scamming customers of a popular restaurant brand in Ghana, Pizzaman ChickenMan, have been apprehended. The arrests took place in Sogakope, a town known for its vibrant community and bustling markets. The suspects, identified as Michael Agbesi, Isaac Asiamah, and Mawuli Soglavi, played different roles in this elaborate scam that deceived numerous unsuspecting customers.

Michael Agbesi, considered the main orchestrator of the scheme, was instrumental in setting up fraudulent operations. Isaac Asiamah was responsible for managing the telecommunications aspect, specifically handling the registration of SIM cards that were used in the scam. Mawuli Soglavi facilitated the financial transactions, enabling the ill-gotten gains to be withdrawn without immediate detection.

The scam itself was cunningly simple yet effective. The fraudsters created fake Google pages that mimicked the official online presence of Pizzaman ChickenMan. They went a step further by crafting fake profiles for the restaurant, complete with phone numbers under their control. Unsuspecting customers, thinking they were ordering food from the legitimate restaurant, would call these numbers to place their orders. Once payment was made, typically through mobile money transfers, the scammers would block the customer’s number, ceasing all communications and leaving the customer without their order.

This deceit not only led to financial losses for many but also damaged the reputation of Pizzaman ChickenMan. Customers took to the internet to voice their frustrations and complaints, which eventually prompted the restaurant to take action. The issue of fake online profiles is not new but poses a significant challenge to businesses and consumers alike, emphasizing the need for vigilance in digital transactions.

In response to this incident and to safeguard against future scams, Pizzaman ChickenMan has introduced several new measures. Most notably, they have launched a proprietary app named the “Chris App.” This app allows customers to place orders directly from their homes, ensuring that they are dealing with the genuine restaurant and not imposters. The app is designed to be user-friendly and provides a secure and direct line of communication and transaction with the restaurant. Furthermore, the restaurant has publicized their official phone number, 0302753430, encouraging customers to use this number to verify any promotional or ordering queries.

For consumers, it’s crucial to remain cautious and aware. Always check the official website or verified social media profiles of any business. Look out for verified contact information and be wary of new, unfamiliar online profiles that may not have a substantial history or reviews.