How Scammers Use Google Maps to Steal Banking Data

How do scammers use Google Maps to steal banking data?

Google Maps is the most popular navigation platform. It controls well over two-thirds of the online navigation market, which means a massive number of users rely on it to find products and services. That is why it remains one of the most important tools for local SEO.

Some time ago, news broke about a new kind of banking scam. The tactic involves using the “Suggest an edit” function on a Google Maps listing and changing the contact details of banks in order to steal sensitive customer information.

So far, the first reported cases emerged in India.

How do these scams work?

The goal is to trick bank customers, who trust the information published on Google Maps, into believing they are speaking to legitimate bank representatives when they place a call. At that point, criminals use the interaction to capture credit card details and later withdraw funds fraudulently from the affected accounts.

How can this be avoided?

The best way to reduce this risk is to keep your full network of business profiles verified and to carry out regular checks that remove unwanted suggested edits, preserving only official information. The SearchMAS support team can handle this process so your profiles are not manipulated by bad actors who create negative customer experiences. We also recommend confirming contact details through each bank’s official and verified sources.

A Google spokesperson said that “in general, allowing users to suggest edits helps keep information comprehensive and up to date, but we recognise that occasional inaccuracies or incorrect edits can still happen.”

Keep your listings complete and up to date with the help of SearchMAS. CONTACT US.