Google Cracks Down Against Puppy Fraud Scammers
Google is holding one man responsible for an elaborate puppy scam he orchestrated to dupe folk out of their money.
This article is more than 2 years old
Google is an unlimited resource for buying and selling products. But just like it’s used for wholesome exchanges, the service can also be manipulated for fraudulent transactions. Today, Google is suing a man running a puppy scam for tricking older people into unjustly handing over thousands of dollars.
The alleged puppy fraud scheme tricked people into thinking the scam was a legitimate business. The business advertised itself as a pedigree dog breeder, offering purebred basset hounds to customers willing to pay considerable amounts for these animals. But this thoroughbred dog business was soon debunked, with many vulnerable folks suddenly short $700 to $1,500.
The complaint was filed against Nche Noel, who utilized Google Voice phone numbers, fake emails, and various Gmail accounts to trick people into thinking he was running a purebred basset hound enterprise. Noel pressured customers into purchasing gift cards that would be used to buy the puppies but never materialized. People were pushed into purchasing thousand-dollar gift cards until finally realizing the situation was a puppy scam.
Noel used fraudulent sites with professional, high-definition photos of basset hounds to cover his puppy scam. The realism of the websites tricked many into believing Noel was running a legitimate purebred business. The basset hound sites also included customer testimonials to further the illusion. Unfortunately for people trying to buy puppies, the realistic nature of the sites tricked many into sending Noel their money. It disproportionately affected older folks, the highest risk demographic for cyber fraud.
One of the most significant reasons Google is suing the puppy scam creator is because he made a Google Ads campaign. The constant utilization of Google services to further his agenda could cost Noel a hefty amount. After the suit finds a resolution, Noel could pay significantly more than reimbursing his victims due to the excessive use of Google products.
The tech giant was first alerted of the fraud in September 2021. AARP, an elderly issues organization, contacted Google about the puppy scam and how it was operating on the company’s services. After a few months, AARP issued a public statement outlining the fraud, urging older folks to be careful with online dog businesses. The ongoing pandemic exacerbated the situation, with isolated older people wanting companionship. Online scammers use the vulnerability of secluded folks to sell their services, which has climbed throughout each COVID wave.
As more people spent time online and isolation worsened folks’ desperation, cybercrime and fraud exponentially increased. A year ago, the Federal Trade Commission reported more than 100 alerts about fraudulent advertisements, pressuring 350 companies to crack down on cyber scams. The prolonged nature of COVID has only emboldened fraudulent actors like Noel and his puppy scam.
Google and other tech groups are spending more time unearthing and eliminating cyber scams on the internet. With more people engaging with social media and job insecurity growing, more scammers have emerged to make a quick buck from a vulnerable demographic. Luckily for those affected by the puppy scam, compensation will likely come due to the high-profile nature of a Google lawsuit.
