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Google says a scam network made thousands of fake businesses on Google Maps to collect and sell user data


Published on 2025-03-22 05:41:18 - Insider
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  • Google said in a new complaint that a network of scammers created fake businesses on Google Maps to collect and then sell users' personal data.

Google has uncovered a scam network that created thousands of fake business listings on Google Maps to harvest and sell user data. This operation involved setting up fictitious businesses, particularly in categories like plumbing and electrical services, to trick users into providing personal information. The scammers used these fake listings to redirect users to fraudulent websites where they could collect data or even charge for services that do not exist. Google has since removed these listings and is enhancing its verification processes to prevent such fraudulent activities. The company also encourages users to report any suspicious business profiles they encounter on Google Maps.

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[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/technology/google-says-a-scam-network-made-thousands-of-fake-businesses-on-google-maps-to-collect-and-sell-user-data/ar-AA1Br8dg ]