Get the latest tech news

Google Sues Scammers Over Fake Maps Listings


Google has filed a lawsuit against alleged scammers who created and sold fake business profiles on Google Maps, the company said. The legal action follows an investigation that uncovered and eliminated more than 10,000 illegitimate listings. The investigation began after a Texas business reported ...

Google discovered the scams primarily targeted "duress verticals" -- services needed in urgent situations like locksmiths and towing companies. "Once we're alerted to the actual fraud, we take extreme efforts to identify similar fraudulent listings," said Halimah DeLaine Prado, Google's general counsel. The scammers used tactics including bait-and-switch schemes and intercepting calls to legitimate businesses through "lead generation services."

Get the Android app

Or read this on Slashdot

Read more on:

Photo of Google

Google

Photo of sues scammers

sues scammers

Photo of fake maps listings

fake maps listings

Related news:

News photo

Google claims news is worthless to its ad business after test involving 1% of search results in eight EU markets

News photo

Engadget Podcast: Google’s Pixel 9a is ready to take on the iPhone 16e

News photo

Inside Google’s Two-Year Frenzy to Catch Up With OpenAI