Google Sues Scammers Exploiting Maps with Fake Business Listings
posted Sunday Mar 23, 2025 by Scott Ertz
Google has launched a lawsuit against a group of scammers who manipulated Google Maps by creating or hijacking thousands of fake business listings. This bold move underscores the tech giant's commitment to protecting users from fraud and safeguarding its platform as a reliable tool for finding businesses. The lawsuit, which identifies a Maryland man as the main orchestrator, sheds light on the alarming scale and tactics of this elaborate scam.
The Mechanics of the Scam
The fraudulent scheme revolved around the creation and management of approximately 10,000 fake business profiles on Google Maps. These profiles were designed to impersonate real businesses or fabricate entities that didn't exist. To make the listings appear legitimate, scammers bolstered them with fake reviews, often written by non-existent individuals.
The primary scam started by taking control of listings or creating listings for services that people need in a hurry, such as a locksmith. The listing would then be updated with a new phone number which routes to the scammers, rather than the proper business. Then, the customer would be visited by a different locksmith that charged a significantly higher rate. Clearly, this harmed the customers, but also damaged the reputaionts of the legitimate companies whose services were never actually engaged with.
Lead Generation and Information Selling
The ringleader, identified in the lawsuit, allegedly coordinated teams of scammers globally to carry out this operation. Beyond manipulating listings, the scammers engaged in "lead generation," selling the contact information of victims who fell for the fake listings. This practice further exacerbated the harm, as victims became targets for additional scams.
Google's investigation was prompted by complaints from businesses, including a Texas locksmith who reported being impersonated. Using advanced automated scanning tools and a dedicated analyst team, Google uncovered thousands of fake profiles and hijacked business accounts. The scope of the scheme and its continued operation, even during the lawsuit, demonstrate the challenges in combating such fraud.
Google's Response and Legal Action
In response to these scams, Google removed the fake listings from Maps and Google My Business, terminated the accounts associated with them, and sued the individuals involved. The company emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for impersonation schemes. Halimah DeLaine Prado, Google's general counsel, stated to CNET,
Fake business listings are prohibited on Google Maps, and we use a range of tools to protect businesses and users. This litigation builds on our efforts and sends a clear message that impersonation schemes will not be tolerated.
Google also provided advice for users to protect themselves from similar scams. Recommendations included verifying URLs to ensure they match legitimate businesses, avoiding unnecessary personal information requests, and being cautious of misspellings or unusual payment demands like wire transfers or gift cards.
The Broader Implications
The lawsuit not only aims to hold the scammers accountable but also serves as a deterrent to others considering similar fraudulent activities. For users, the lawsuit underscores the importance of vigilance when interacting with online business listings. By staying informed and following safety tips, users can better protect themselves from falling victim to such schemes.
Google's legal action against scammers manipulating Google Maps is a significant step in combating online fraud. The case highlights the need for robust measures to protect both users and businesses from exploitation. As the digital landscape evolves, Google's efforts demonstrate its commitment to maintaining trust and integrity on its platform. By addressing this issue head-on, Google not only protects its users but also sets a precedent for other platforms to follow in the fight against online scams.
