Google has filed a lawsuit against two alleged crypto scammers, accusing them of running a sophisticated “pig butchering” scheme through fraudulent apps on the Google Play Store. The tech giant aims to hold these bad actors accountable and send a strong message against exploiting its users.
The alleged scammers, based in China and Hong Kong, are accused of uploading 87 fraudulent cryptocurrency trading apps and investment platforms to the Play Store. These apps were used to lure more than 100,000 unsuspecting victims into investing money they would never get back, with reported losses ranging from $100 to tens of thousands of dollars per individual.
The scheme, known as “pig butchering,” involves gradually building trust with victims through romance scams and then convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms. Google’s complaint alleges that the scammers used a combination of romantic text messages, YouTube videos, and persuasive tactics to entice users to download their fraudulent apps and deposit funds.
Once victims invested, the apps would display fake balances and returns, giving the illusion of legitimate trading activities. However, users were unable to withdraw their funds, with the apps either denying requests or demanding additional fees or minimum balances, effectively trapping their money.
Google alleges that the scammers violated its terms of service and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The company is seeking to block the defendants from further fraudulent activities and recover damages for the harm caused to its platform and resources spent investigating the schemes.
This legal action highlights Google’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its app store and protecting users from malicious actors. It also serves as a warning to other potential scammers seeking to exploit unsuspecting individuals through deceptive means.
