Google recently filed a lawsuit against a cybercriminal group linked to a widespread SMS phishing scheme, known as “smishing.” This group, often referred to as the “Smishing Triad,” operates mainly from China and uses a phishing kit called “Lighthouse.” This software creates fake messages that trick users into revealing personal information.
According to Google, the operation has affected over a million people across 120 countries. The texts often appear as urgent alerts from trusted sources like the U.S. Postal Service or financial institutions. Google General Counsel Halimah DeLaine Prado stressed that the group exploits users’ trust in reputable brands to collect sensitive data.
The lawsuit invokes several laws, including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, aiming to dismantle the “Lighthouse” operation. Google estimates that between 12.7 million and 115 million credit cards have been stolen in the U.S. alone due to such scams.
In an internal investigation, Google identified over 100 fake websites created by the group, all designed to mimic Google’s branding. This complex operation includes different subsets of members focused on tasks like recruitment through public Telegram channels and gathering victim lists.
Google is the first major tech company to take this legal action against SMS phishing. In tandem with the lawsuit, they support three bills in Congress aimed at better protecting consumers from fraud. One of these bills, the GUARD Act, seeks to safeguard older adults from scams, while the others target illegal robocalls and provide assistance to victims of trafficking.
This legal initiative reflects Google’s broader goal to raise awareness about cyber threats. Recently, they introduced tools like the Key Verifier and AI-driven spam detection in Google Messages to better protect users.
As scams like these evolve, experts warn that digital safety requires both legal action and proactive user education. According to a recent study, 47% of adults say they’ve received phishing texts, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, check out Google’s safety features here.
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