7 July, 2025-Cybercriminals are increasingly misusing Google Search to deceive citizens and carry out sophisticated online frauds, recent cases reported at Hinjawadi and Kalewadi police stations have revealed. Investigations suggest that fraudsters are manipulating search results and paid advertisements on the search engine to mislead users into contacting fake customer care numbers and websites.
According to officials, several residents in Pune have fallen victim to scams after relying on Google to find service helplines. In one case reported at Hinjawadi police station, a tech employee lost ₹1.6 lakh after searching for a courier service helpline. The number, displayed as a top result on Google, connected him to a scammer posing as a company representative. The fraudster instructed him to download a remote access app under the pretext of resolving a delivery issue. Once installed, the app gave the scammer full access to the victim’s phone, allowing unauthorized transactions to be made from his bank account.
In a similar case filed at Kalewadi police station, a woman searching for her internet service provider’s contact number found a fake listing on Google. The fraudsters, pretending to be support staff, sent her a phishing link to “verify” her identity. Shortly after entering her personal details, she discovered that ₹85,000 had been withdrawn from her digital wallet.
Police officials stated that such cases are becoming increasingly common. Cybercriminals are using search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and paid advertisements to push fake websites and phone numbers to the top of search results. These deceptive listings are often indistinguishable from official sources, making it difficult for the average user to identify fraud.
“This is a growing concern. Criminals know that people trust Google search results and are taking advantage of it. Citizens need to be extremely careful while searching for contact information online,” said a senior officer from the Pune Cyber Crime Unit.
The police have also reached out to Google and other platforms to take action against fraudulent listings and improve their content moderation systems. In the meantime, law enforcement agencies are urging the public to verify contact information through official websites or trusted apps instead of relying solely on search results.
Cyber experts are advising people to avoid downloading unfamiliar apps or sharing sensitive information like OTPs, passwords, or banking details over phone calls or emails. They also recommend accessing company services only through verified platforms.
The incidents reported at Hinjawadi and Kalewadi highlight the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, who are now using everyday tools like Google to carry out their schemes. Police have launched awareness campaigns to educate users about these risks and encourage safe digital practices.
As cyber fraud becomes more sophisticated, authorities stress the importance of vigilance, verification, and responsible digital behavior to prevent financial losses and identity theft.
