Google Maps fans have been put on alert about a devious scam that aims to trick them into handing over their sensitive banking details.
Google Maps users are being warned after cybercriminals managed to change the contact details of a number of banks in order to scam them.
And fraudsters don’t need to deploy any complex tricks or advanced tools to fool customers.
When you search for a business on Google Maps you can, after clicking on it, suggest changes for its contact details.
As reported in a post by HackRead, cybercriminals have been changed legitimate numbers on Google Maps into fake ones.
And once a customer calls this bogus contact number the scammers are able to extract sensitive banking details in order to steal money from the victims.
So far the issue has only been reported in India, with police reporting multiple complaints in the past month.
Speaking about the issue, a Google spokesperson said: “Overall, allowing users to suggest edits provides comprehensive and up-to-date info, but we recognise there may be occasional inaccuracies or bad edits suggested by them.
“When this happens, we do our best to address the issue as quickly as possible.
“The Google Safety Centre outlines tips to help consumers stay safe online.”
The Google Safety Centre offers advice on how to stay safe online – click here to read it in full.
Here are their tips on how to stay safe from phishing attempts:
Always validate suspicious URLs or links: “Phishing is an attempt to trick you into revealing critical personal information, such as a password.
“It can take many forms, so it is important to learn how to spot suspicious emails and websites.
“For example, a hacker might create a login page that looks legitimate but is actually fake, and once your password is revealed the hacker could access your account or infect your machine.”
Watch out for impersonators: “If someone that you know emails you but the message seems odd, their account may have been hacked.
“Don’t reply to the message or click any links unless you can confirm that the email is legitimate.”
Be wary of requests for personal information: “Don’t reply to suspicious emails, instant messages or pop-up windows that ask for personal information, such as passwords, bank account or credit card numbers, or even your birthday.
“Even if the message comes from a site that you trust, such as your bank, never click on the link or send a reply message. It is better to go directly to their website or app to log in to your account.”
Beware of email scams, fake prizes and gifts: “Messages from strangers are always suspect, especially if they seem too good to be true – such as declaring that you have won something, offering prizes for completing a survey or promoting quick ways to make money.
“Never click suspicious links, and never enter personal information into questionable forms or surveys.”
Double-check files before downloading: “Some sophisticated phishing attacks can occur through infected documents and PDF attachments.
“If you come across a suspicious attachment, use Chrome or Google Drive to open and reduce the risk of infecting your device. If we detect a virus, we will show you a warning.”