Scammers have found a new way to swindle trusting victims: Google Maps.
The online mapping service managed by Google allows users to submit changes and corrections to the listings that appear on the map and are included in each business, empresa, banking entity, etc., so potential scammers are changing the contact details of the banks that appear in the app. Then, when trusting bank customers use the data that appears believing it is their financial institution, scammers extract their private banking data and use it to empty their accounts.
The Maharashtra police, India, issued a warning about the scam after learning of several cases in the past month, as previously reported by The Hindu . But while its warning applies specifically to scammers in India, there is nothing to prevent criminals from other parts of the world from attempting to carry out the plan.
It is a warning that the information on Google Maps is not always as reliable as it may seem.
A Google spokesperson did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment, but one told The Hindu: “En general, allowing users to suggest edits provides comprehensive and up-to-date information, but we acknowledge that there may be occasional inaccuracies or incorrect edits. “When this happens, we do everything possible to solve the problem as quickly as possible”.
To stay safe, do not trust any phone number claiming to be your online bank unless it is on their website or appears on the back of your credit or debit card.