Google Maps Scam: New Scam on Google Maps, Follow These Tips to Avoid Financial Loss
Pune, 21st June 2024: A new scam has emerged targeting individuals through Google Maps, where scammers lure victims with promises of work-from-home opportunities by rating hotels on the platform. Recently, a person in Greater Noida lost ₹20 lakhs to this scam. Here’s how you can protect yourself from falling victim.
Scammers are increasingly using platforms like WhatsApp to execute their schemes. Previously, scams such as earning money by liking YouTube videos have caused significant financial harm. Now, a similar fraudulent scheme is operational on Google Maps.
Sandeep Kumar from Greater Noida became a victim of this work-from-home scam in January 2024. He received a WhatsApp message inviting him to join a group where he could earn by rating hotels on Google Maps. Initially investing ₹50,000, Kumar found himself unable to retrieve any funds. Subsequently, he was coerced into paying an additional ₹5 lakhs under the guise of taxes, resulting in a total loss of ₹20,54,464.
Realizing the deception, Kumar lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station in Sector 36, Noida, citing fraud, criminal intimidation, and violations of the IT Act.
How to Stay Safe?
To safeguard yourself:
Install security apps like ‘Fraud Alert’ by CERT-In or Google’s ‘Anti-Phishing App’.
Avoid divulging personal information online, regardless of assurances.
Exercise caution with emails or messages soliciting personal data.
Keep your phone’s software updated with the latest security patches.
Be wary during online transactions and avoid falling for free gift scams.
By adhering to these precautions, you can significantly mitigate the risk of falling prey to online scams like those proliferating on Google Maps.
