How Google Maps -is used- for banking scams ?

This way of scamming people is surprisingly simple and easy.

Google Maps allows logged in users to edit the contact details of shops, banks, and other public institutes. This is allowed to make Google search better. So, if you Google a business, you can literally change all its information on Google maps with your own address, phone, and website.

Now, what the fraudsters did this time was simply go to the Google page of Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and changed their contact information. Common people started calling on the wrong number. The cheat on the other end managed to retrieve private information of these callers to dupe them. That simple!

It’s fascinating how little these public institutes do to protect the will of the public—how little they do to spread awareness against such cheats and frauds. Just sending an SMS in English isn’t sufficient.

Sadly, what these sitting in authority positions will do now is to blame Google for its editing option.

Here are a few things to remember:

· Avoid taking the information you read on Google at face value.

· Cross-check the crucial information you get on Google through different channels.

· Never share your private information with anyone. No one in the Banks, EPFI and more will ever ask for your intimate information, like PIN and password.

· If you’re looking for contact information, refer to the official website of that organization.

· Spread awareness. Tell this to your friends and family members. The more people know about it, the better.

· Always read the news to stay up to date with such news on banking scams.