Google Maps Is Removing Fake Businesses, but You Should Still Know How to Spot Them
1 min read
Summary
Google has filed a lawsuit against a scam network that created tens of thousands of fraudulent listings on its Maps service, according to CBS News.
The lawsuit came about after a Texas-based locksmith found another entity was impersonating them on Google Maps, leading to customers being scammed.
In its investigation, Google found more than 10,000 fake listings, which it shut down, highlighting the need for internet users to be vigilant about scams.
To avoid using fake listings, users should look out for the following red flags:
The type of service, with those offering “duress verticals”, such as emergency repairs and locksmiths, being the main target for scammers;
Whether the business has a website, and if so, whether its name matches the listing on Google Maps, whether the URL is misspelled, and whether the website is actually active;
The reviews a business has, looking out for very positive (yet vague) reviews, a high number of reviews published in a very short time frame, reviews from reviewers with generic names or who are anonymous, and a high number of starred reviews with no comments;
