Scammers exploit Google Maps contributor program to inject fake phone numbers into business listings
TLDR
Scammers are uploading AI-generated photos to Google Maps business listings with fake phone numbers to divert customer calls, and Google's reporting process appears ineffective.
Optimixed Overview
Optimixed's original report on this story.
SERoundtable reports that bad actors are weaponizing Google Maps' contributor program by posting AI-generated images containing fraudulent phone numbers on Google Business Profile listings. The scam targets dozens or hundreds of businesses, with victims directed to call the fake number in the photo rather than the legitimate contact information on the listing itself. Complaints to Google about these fraudulent uploads have reportedly gone unresolved, suggesting the platform's verification and moderation systems may be failing to catch or act on the abuse at scale.