According to CBS News, Google is cracking down on fraudulent business listings, removing 10,000 fake profiles from Google Maps, and suing the scammers behind them.
The lawsuit alleges that an individual linked to a broader scam network created and sold fake business profiles for profit. The action was prompted by a Texas-based locksmith who discovered an impersonation on Google Maps.
Halimah DeLaine Prado, Google’s general counsel, emphasized the growing sophistication of scammers, stating, “Once we’re alerted to the actual fraud, we take extreme efforts to identify similar fraudulent listings.” Scammers often manipulate Google Maps by posting fake listings, tricking users into calling illegitimate businesses, and sometimes charging inflated prices or stealing payments in advance. Fraudsters also use fake reviews and engagement tactics to boost credibility.
In 2023, Google blocked or removed 12 million fake business profiles and continues to see an increase in fraudulent listings yearly. The company is also taking action against deceptive review practices, with stricter measures implemented in the UK following regulatory pressure.
