Google is suing a scammer over the cruelest scheme imaginable
Puppy fraud scheme targeted the elderly and other vulnerable people online
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
As employees around the world beganworking from homeduring 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 onGoogle Searchwith more people stuck at home, they saw the opportunity to target people at their most vulnerable according to a newblog postfromGoogle.
We’re looking at how our readers use VPNs with different devices so we can improve our content and offer better advice. This survey shouldn’t take more than 60 seconds of your time, and entrants from the UK and US will have the chance to enter a draw for a£100 Amazon gift card(or equivalent in USD). Thank you for taking part.
Click here to start the survey in a new window«
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 offake websites,Google Voicephone numbers andGmailaccounts to set up and run a fake business selling purebred basset hound puppies online. Google’s legal fillings also revealed that the AARP alerted it about the scam last September before publishing areportdetailing 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 AARP’s report on the matter and highlighted an instance where a victim paid the scammer $700 ingift cardsto 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 aremore vulnerable to cyberattackswhich is why the AARP got involved in the first place.
In addition to using Google’semail serviceto communicate with victims, the search giant has also accused Noel of running aGoogle Adscampaign in an attempt to promote his fake websites.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
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 don’t 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 avideo callbefore handing over any money. If money will be exchanged, Google recommends usingverified payment methodsas 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 areverse image searchon 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 company’s name and address aren’t fake and potentially read reviews by those who purchased pets from the seller.
ViaThe Verge
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
A new form of macOS malware is being used by devious North Korean hackers
Scammers are using fake copyright infringement claims to hack businesses
The 6 best electric motorcycle concepts and launches from EICMA 2024
