Google is suing a scammer over the cruelest scheme imaginable

Date:
Mon, 11 Apr 2022 19:30:53 +0000

Description:
Google is taking legal action against a puppy fraud scammer to set legal precedent, protect victims and raise public awareness.

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As employees around the world began working from home during the pandemic, many sought the companionship of a pet to make the transition a bit easier.

However, scammers were well aware of this and with searches for Adopt a Dog spiking on Google Search with more people stuck at home, they saw the opportunity to target people at their most vulnerable according to a new blog post from Google.

To help set a legal precedent, protect victims, disrupt the infrastructure used in these kinds of schemes and raise public awareness, the search giant has sued a scammer accused of running an online puppy fraud scheme.

Based on a recently filed complaint, Nche Noel of Cameroon allegedly used a network of fake websites , Google Voice phone numbers and Gmail accounts to set up and run a fake business selling purebred basset hound puppies online. Googles legal fillings also revealed that the AARP alerted it about the scam last September before publishing a report detailing the various puppy fraud scams the elderly interest group observed during the pandemic. Taking advantage of the vulnerable

In its complaint against Noel, Google cited the AARPs report on the matter
and highlighted an instance where a victim paid the scammer $700 in gift
cards to purchase a puppy. However, after sending the gift cards, Noel took even more money from the victim by telling them that the delivery company
that would bring the basset hound puppy to their house needed an additional $1,500.

Just as scammers do with fake websites, Noel used alluring photos and fake customer testimonials in an effort to dispel any concerns that victims had regarding the legitimacy of his online business. At the same time, this scam disproportionately targeted older Americans who are more vulnerable to cyberattacks which is why the AARP got involved in the first place.

In addition to using Googles email service to communicate with victims, the search giant has also accused Noel of running a Google Ads campaign in an attempt to promote his fake websites. Read More

This is why you shouldn't respond to voicemails from unknown callers

Watch out, you may have swiped right on a scammer

Trying to buy a microSD card proved to me that Amazon is becoming a

scammers' paradise

For those that dont have a pet yet and are interested in getting one, Google has provided some helpful tips and steps to follow to avoid falling victim to a pet scam like this one.

First off, potential pet owners should see the animal in person or at least
on a video call before handing over any money. If money will be exchanged, Google recommends using verified payment methods as opposed to wiring money
or paying with either gift cards or prepaid debit cards. To ensure the pet
you want to get is real, you should also run a reverse image search on any photos sent to you by the seller.

Finally, you should absolutely search online for the seller by asking for their company name, phone number and street address. By using Google Search, you can ensure that the companys name and address arent fake and potentially read reviews by those who purchased pets from the seller. Receive an alert if your sensitive data falls into the wrong hands with the best identity theft protection

Via The Verge



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/google-is-suing-a-scammer-over-the-cruelest-sch eme-imaginable/


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