Summary
Google has taken legal action against a phishing platform called "Lighthouse," allegedly run by China-based operators. This platform helps cybercriminals launch scams through text messages and fake websites. Google filed the lawsuit in New York, making it the first of its kind aimed at a phishing-as-a-service operation.
Key Facts
- Google filed a lawsuit against the operators of the "Lighthouse" phishing platform.
- The lawsuit claims the platform facilitates text message scams that mimic legitimate brands.
- Scammers reportedly stole over $16 billion from consumers in the last year.
- Lighthouse's software allows users to create fake websites, potentially compromising millions of credit cards.
- The platform is described as a "phishing for dummies" kit, available for purchase through Telegram.
- Victims are tricked into entering payment information on fake sites that mimic entities like the U.S. Postal Service and Apple.
- Lighthouse uses techniques to evade detection, including capturing users' keystrokes in real time.
- Google has also endorsed three anti-scam bills introduced in Congress to combat this type of fraud.
