Google Strikes Back: New Form to Combat Extortion Scams on Maps!
Google is tackling review bombing with a new form for businesses to report fake negative reviews and extortion attempts. These scams involve threats of further reputation damage unless a ransom is paid. Meanwhile, Meta is embroiled in its own scandal, allegedly making billions from scam ads. It’s a wild world of digital deception!
Hot Take:
Who knew the digital Wild West wasn’t just a metaphor? While Google is trying to put out the review bombing fires, Meta seems to be inadvertently stoking the flames. It’s like the internet’s version of a soap opera, where big tech companies are either the heroes, the villains, or sometimes both! Stay tuned for the next episode of “As the Scam Turns.”
Key Points:
- Google introduces a form for businesses to report extortion via fake reviews on Google Maps.
- Review bombing involves threat actors posting fake negative reviews to demand ransom from businesses.
- Google warns users about various scams, including online job scams, AI product impersonations, and malicious VPN apps.
- Meta reportedly earns billions from ad marketing scams, with some accounts accumulating over 500 strikes without shutdown.
- Meta claims to have removed over 134 million scam ads in 2025, but acknowledges challenges in scam ad management.
Google’s New Anti-Extortion Tool: A Digital Knight in Shining Armor
Google has rolled out a new form to help businesses combat the dastardly practice of review bombing. This isn’t just a case of sour grapes; it’s an attack on a business’s reputation, with scammers posting fake, negative reviews and then demanding a ransom to remove them. It’s like Yelp-meets-kidnapping, with a digital twist. Google’s initiative aims to tackle this menace head-on, allowing businesses to report these extortion attempts more efficiently. Laurie Richardson from Google’s Trust & Safety team put it bluntly, saying these bad actors are trying to game the system, turning a business’s public rating into a hostage situation.
A Scam a Day Keeps the Sense of Security Away
In addition to review bombs, Google has identified several other scams making the rounds. First up, the online job scam, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate job boards and recruiters to pilfer sensitive data and even install malware. Then there’s the AI product impersonation scam, which uses the buzz around AI to trick users into downloading malicious apps or paying for “exclusive” access. Meanwhile, malicious VPN apps are lurking in the shadows, disguised as legitimate services, ready to siphon off your data and cryptocurrency. And let’s not forget the fraud recovery scams, which double-down on victims by posing as recovery agents. Finally, seasonal holiday scams are a perennial favorite, exploiting major shopping periods to fleece unsuspecting shoppers with counterfeit offers.
How to Avoid Becoming Scam Bait
To avoid getting caught in these digital traps, Google advises a healthy dose of skepticism. Be wary of unexpected messages demanding fees, and always verify the identity of anyone claiming they can recover lost funds. When downloading apps, stick to trusted sources, and keep your guard up when asked for sensitive information. It’s like the digital age’s version of “stranger danger”—just with more zeros and ones.
Meta’s Double Trouble: Scammers and Ad Revenue
While Google is busy fighting the good fight, Meta has found itself in a bit of a pickle. A report from Reuters reveals that scam ads could account for as much as 10.1% of its revenue, translating to a staggering $16 billion. That’s a whole lot of scammy dollars! Meta’s internal documents suggest that “high value accounts” can rack up over 500 strikes without being shut down, while smaller advertisers might get booted after just eight flags for financial fraud. Talk about playing favorites!
Meta’s Response: A Game of Whack-a-Scam
In response to the report, Meta downplayed the 10.1% figure as “rough and overly-inclusive,” but acknowledged the challenge of managing scam ads. The company claims to have removed over 134 million pieces of scam ad content in 2025 alone. However, it seems like a never-ending game of whack-a-scam, with billions of “higher risk” scam ads being served daily. Meta’s automated systems are supposed to ban advertisers when they’re 95% sure of fraud, but with so many strikes being tolerated, it’s hard not to wonder if the scammers are winning this round.
So, there you have it—Google fighting extortion with new tools, and Meta grappling with its own scam ad drama. In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, it seems there’s never a dull moment. Grab your popcorn, folks, because the digital drama is far from over!