Google Sues Scammers Over Fake Maps Listings

Google has filed a lawsuit against alleged scammers who created and sold fake business profiles on Google Maps, the company said. The legal action follows an investigation that uncovered and eliminated more than 10,000 illegitimate listings.

The investigation began after a Texas business reported an unlicensed locksmith impersonating them on the platform. Google discovered the scams primarily targeted 'duress verticals' -- services needed in urgent situations like locksmiths and towing companies. 'Once we're alerted to the actual fraud, we take extreme efforts to identify similar fraudulent listings,' said Halimah DeLaine Prado, Google's general counsel.

The scammers used tactics including bait-and-switch schemes and intercepting calls to legitimate businesses through 'lead generation services.' They also sold fraudulent positive reviews to suppress negative feedback.

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