From CNET: Google is suing a network of scammers who manipulated Google Maps by faking or hijacking about 10,000 business listings to con people out of money. The company is suing a Maryland man who allegedly played a central role in the scheme by helping coordinate teams of scammers around the world to carry it out.
The lawsuit, which was first reported by CBS News, states the man for two years "abused Google services to create fake online listings for businesses that do not exist and to bolster them with fake reviews from people who do not exist." It also claims the man engaged in a "lead-generation" scheme by selling information to other scammers about the people he lured in by his fake business listings.
A common scam involved a victim calling a business, such as a locksmith, found on Google Maps, only to be rerouted to a different number. That number would connect them to an unrelated locksmith, who may charge an inflated price for the service once they arrive at the home.
"This behavior misleads consumers and is likely to erode their trust in Business Profiles on Google as a reliable and safe way to find and contact local businesses," the company said in the lawsuit.
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