Gospel musician Celestine Donkor has shared how she lost GH¢1,000 to scammers while trying to order food online from Papaye’s Lapaz branch. Her story serves as a warning to others about the dangers of online fraud.

Here are key lessons to take from her experience:

1. Always Verify Contact Information

Donkor found a number online and assumed it was Papaye’s official contact. Scammers often create fake listings, so always cross-check contact details on the official website or social media pages of the business.

2. Be Cautious with Upfront Payments

She was asked to pay before picking up her order, with the scammers claiming some customers fail to pay upon collection. If a business insists on prepayment, consider using more secure options like official bank transfers rather than mobile money transactions to unknown accounts.

3. Watch for Red Flags in Transactions

When Donkor completed the payment, she noticed the recipient’s name was not “Papaye.” This was a clear warning sign. Always check if the payment details match the company’s name before proceeding.

4. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

After realizing she had been scammed, Donkor called back, but the fraudsters tried to convince her they were legitimate. If you ever suspect fraud, stop communication immediately and report the issue to the business and relevant authorities.

5. Businesses Must Be Proactive Against Scams

Donkor was disappointed by the response from Papaye’s staff, suggesting they might have been aware of the scam. Companies must do more to protect their customers by ensuring their official contacts are easy to find and warning them about potential fraud.

Her experience is a wake-up call for online consumers and businesses alike. As online transactions grow, staying vigilant can prevent falling victim to such scams.

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