Google Maps is being exploited by scammers to commit fraud.

According to Business Insider , tech giant Google has filed a lawsuit against a Maryland resident and his accomplices for creating a series of fake businesses on Google Maps to collect and sell users' personal information.

Google sues criminal organization for using Google Maps to commit fraud.

According to a lawsuit filed in a California federal court, Yaniv Asayag and approximately 20 accomplices repeatedly committed fraud by creating and editing business listings on Google Maps and Google Search. These businesses were typically emergency services such as air conditioner repair, roadside assistance, or locksmith services.

Google Maps is being exploited for scams.

PHOTO: SLATE SCREENSHOT

This scam group created fake business pages with fake positive reviews to attract users. When users contacted these businesses, their personal information was collected and sold to marketing companies.

Notably, Google alleges that user information may have been sold to companies with a history of questionable practices, such as overcharging or extortion. Google also stated that scams in the service sector are "very common" due to lead generation tactics.

One example cited by Google is the fraudulent business "ByDennis Cleaner," which was later renamed "MS Locksmith." Within a year, this group edited the information of nearly 150 businesses more than 1,000 times.

Halimah DeLaine Prado, Google's general counsel, affirmed that the company does not allow fake business listings on Google Maps and uses various tools to protect users and businesses. She also emphasized that this lawsuit sends a strong message that Google will not tolerate fraudulent behavior.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises users to carefully check URLs and search for reviews and complaints about businesses before contacting them.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/google-maps-bi-ke-gian-loi-dung-de-lua-dao-1852503241413091.htm