Google Lawsuit Targets Massive Text-message Phishing Scams
CBS News | Google is filing a federal lawsuit against a China-based network of foreign cybercriminals that is accused of launching massive text-message phishing attacks.
According to Google, the messages are part of a criminal network called “Lighthouse.” The texts look legitimate, often warning recipients of undeliverable packages or unpaid tolls. The “smishing” texts are a type of scam designed to trick recipients into revealing personal data, such as passwords and credit card numbers. The scammers then use that information to steal money or initiate even more complex scams.
Google has filed the lawsuit under the RICO Act, which is typically used to take down organized crime rings. The case targets unknown operators who allegedly built a “phishing-as-a-service” platform to power mass text attacks.
Google identified more than 100 fake sites using its logo to trick people into providing their passwords or credit card numbers. According to the complaint, Google estimates that the group has stolen sensitive information linked to tens of millions of credit cards in the U.S. alone.
Full article: Google lawsuit accuses China-based cybercriminals of massive text-message phishing scams
