Google finds 10,000 fake listings on Google Maps, sues alleged network of scammers

Google has recently revealed that it has uncovered a significant number of fake listings on Google Maps, prompting the tech giant to take legal action against the alleged scammers responsible for the fraud. The lawsuit, which was announced on Wednesday, alleges that a man operating as part of a larger network was involved in creating and selling fake business profiles on Google Maps.

The investigation was initially triggered by a Texas business that reported an unlicensed locksmith impersonating them on Google Maps. This incident led Google to discover and remove over 10,000 illegitimate listings, ranging from completely fake businesses to legitimate accounts that had been compromised or taken over by scammers.

Halimah DeLaine Prado, Google’s general counsel, explained in an interview on “CBS Mornings Plus” that the company takes extensive measures to identify and remove fraudulent listings once they are alerted to the fraud. The scams were predominantly concentrated in what Google refers to as “duress verticals,” which are services that people require urgently or in stressful situations, such as locksmiths or towing companies.

According to DeLaine Prado, the alleged scammers behind these fake listings are operating in a sophisticated manner, collaborating with agents globally and utilizing social media to expand their reach. The lawsuit highlights how scammers use Facebook groups to promote fake reviews that circumvent Google’s guidelines.

The tactics employed by the scammers are varied and deceptive. One common approach is the bait and switch, where users looking for a local service end up falling for a fake listing instead of reaching a licensed professional. In some cases, calls to legitimate companies are intercepted and redirected to the scammers through a lead generation service, resulting in unsuspecting customers engaging with a completely different company.

To protect themselves from falling victim to such scams, consumers are advised to verify the legitimacy of a company before proceeding with any transactions. DeLaine Prado recommends checking the company’s URL and phone number to ensure they match the advertised business. Consumers should also be cautious if a company requests excessive personal information or payment through unconventional methods like gift cards or wire transfers.

Google emphasizes that fake business listings are prohibited on Google Maps and employs a range of tools, including automated programming and analysts, to detect and remove fraudulent activities on the platform. The company’s lawsuit also highlights how scammers sell fake positive reviews to businesses to suppress genuine negative feedback, undermining the trust and credibility of the platform.

In a bid to combat scams, Google has pledged to donate any damages awarded in the lawsuit to organizations dedicated to fighting fraudulent activities. This legal action is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to protect users from fake listings and maintain the integrity of its platform.