Cybercriminals Manipulating Google Search and Map To Scam Customers- CSA
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has observed a trend in the manipulation of Google search results to scam unsuspecting customers.
According to the Authority, the criminals impersonate well-known brands and service providers, including Pizza Hut, Pizzaman/Chickenman, Hisense, Bel Aqua, Papaye, Burger King, etc., in the process to dupe their victims.
Modus Operandi
In a statement, it said cybercriminals create or alter Google Maps business listings of popular companies, banks, hotels, airlines, courier services, and government agencies.
This includes fake phone numbers, emails, and websites.
“When users search for a company’s contact details or service information, they are presented with the fraudulent listing usually at the top of Google results, leading them to contact the cybercriminals instead of the legitimate business.”
The criminals then pose as customer service agents of the brands they represent and trick victims into sharing one-time passwords (OTP) or PINs, which are used to withdraw funds from their mobile money wallets or make payments for goods and services they never receive.
Direction
The CSA has therefore advised members of the public to always cross-check contact details, including phone numbers, from the official websites of institutions instead of relying solely on Google Search or Maps.
In addition, they have been encouraged to treat top search results with caution.
It explained that “fraudulent listings may appear above legitimate ones, particularly paid Ad results. Scammers pay to have their fraudulent links appear at the very top.”
Further, the public is to avoid sharing sensitive information, including PINs and OTPs, online and report any encounter with fake business listings or contacts on Google Maps to Google’s reporting tools and the CSA.
Meanwhile, institutions and businesses have been counselled to regularly search for their brand online, including Google and Google Maps, to identify fraudulent listings or fake websites and proactively share verified contact details on official websites, social media, and other trusted platforms.
They are also to monitor reviews and comments online, especially on social media handles for mentions of fraud, as this is often a sign of impersonation; and acquire official toll-free numbers that can be centrally managed and mapped to their various branches, ensuring consistency and trust.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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