Google reveals it has discovered thousands of fraudulent ads on Google Maps. As the American group explained to CBS News, an individual posted more than 10,000 illegitimate ads on the mapping service. As a reminder, Maps ads allow businesses to promote their products or services directly on the map. They also target users based on their location and searches.
It all started with a complaint from a Texas company. The company noticed that an unlicensed locksmith had assumed its identity. When searching for the business on Google Maps, users would land on the page with the company's name, but with a third-party phone number. The unlicensed locksmith could then take the call and come change a lock instead of the legitimate independent locksmith.
Victims in an emergency situation
The individual responsible for the false ads is part of a vast criminal network, Google explains. Through ads published on Maps, they can capture part of the businesses' customer base. Typically, fake business profiles posed as locksmiths or towing companies, services that people need in urgent situations.
Sometimes, the scammer actually provides the requested service, but asks for astronomical sums in return. In other cases, the victim is redirected to a call center where the scammers demand money upfront, without ever actually going on-site to provide the promised service. In all cases, the user ends up communicating with a company that he didn't want to contact.
Reassured by the reputation of the firm he was looking for, the user can risk paying money. In addition, the customer finds himself in an emergency situation. He is therefore more inclined to pay without asking questions. Ultimately, these scams penalize Internet users, Google, as well as all independent workers whose identity has been stolen.
Fake reviews and ads on social networks
To improve the effectiveness To further their scam, scammers also use fake reviews and advertisements posted on social media, the American giant specifies. Google emphasizes that "consumers use the reviews under these ads to make decisions based on which service to use or not to use". A "fake profile and a fake review undermine the trust you have in this ecosystem". Google indicates that it has filed a complaint against the person who posted all fake ads on Maps.
To avoid falling into a trap, Google recommends that Google Maps users take the time to verify the authenticity of a business. The firm encourages Internet users to compare the data visible in the ad with the information listed on the company's official website, or possibly on the Facebook page. If this information does not match, you could be the target of a scam. Furthermore, if the person you are talking to asks for a little too much information about your account, such as a Social Security number, you could be dealing with a crook.
Source: CBS News
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