Scammers have found a new loophole in the Google Maps interface that allows them to edit the contact details and addresses of major banks, by which they have tricked users into revealing their their bank details like CVV and ATM PINs.
According to Google’s User Generated Content policy, anyone can edit the contact details and address on the platform. Taking advantage of this flaw, a group of Thane-based con artists have updated the contact details of Bank of India and putted their own contact number, by this way they have been able to fool people.
“We have received at least three complaints from the Bank of India (BoI) over the last one month. In all three instances, we immediately notified the authorities at Google,” the Superintendent of Police, Balsing Rajput of the State cyber police quoted in the Hindu.
Meanwhile, the Bank of India spokesperson said that they have checked and changed the contact details of their branches on the Google Maps.
BOI's spokesperson said, “After these incidents came to our notice, we modified the contact details on these branch listings on Google Maps. We asked users to use only Bank of India’s official website to search for branch contact details.”
However, the Google's spokesperson said, “Overall, allowing users to suggest edits provides comprehensive and up-to-date info, but we recognize 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 Center outlines tips to help consumers stay safe online.”
