Alphabet’s Google has taken legal action by filing a lawsuit against Ethan QiQi Hu and his affiliated companies in a federal court in San Jose, California. The tech giant accuses Hu of fabricating hundreds of fake business listings on Google’s platforms and profiting by selling them to legitimate businesses, thereby deceiving unsuspecting customers. This lawsuit comes as part of Google’s commitment to combatting fraudulent activities and protecting its users.
The company alleges that Hu utilised an elaborate scheme to create sham businesses that appeared in Google’s search engine and Google Maps. To verify these fraudulent listings during video calls with Google’s agents, Hu employed an array of props, including a tool bench for garage repair, tree cutting, and plumbing businesses, as well as essential oils for fake aromatherapy and reiki therapy establishments.
In addition to creating false profiles, Hu is accused of purchasing thousands of fake positive reviews to give these businesses an appearance of legitimacy. Subsequently, he allegedly sold these profiles as “leads” to genuine businesses operating in the same fields. Consequently, unsuspecting customers who reached out to the fake businesses ended up contacting the real businesses, perpetuating the fraudulent cycle.
The lawsuit filed by Google claims that Hu created over 350 fictitious profiles and bolstered them with more than 14,000 illegitimate reviews. Google asserts that Hu’s actions constitute false advertising, unlawful business practices, and a violation of its terms of service. The company is seeking unspecified monetary damages and an injunction to prevent Hu from continuing his alleged misconduct.
As of now, Ethan QiQi Hu has not responded to the lawsuit or provided any comment on the matter. Google remains committed to combating fraudulent activities and safeguarding the integrity of its platforms.
