Google Play Crypto Scam Apps Used by 2 Chinese Nationals for Fraud

Key Points:

• Google files a lawsuit against two Chinese nationals for running fraudulent cryptocurrency apps on Google Play, defrauding over 100,000 users globally.
• Scammers used social engineering tactics to lure victims into investing in Google Play crypto scam apps promising high returns, then blocked access to funds.
• Google seeks damages exceeding $75,000 and a permanent injunction against the defendants.

According to Reuters, tech giant Google has taken legal action against two Chinese nationals accused of orchestrating a widespread cryptocurrency scam via fraudulent apps on the Google Play Store.

Chinese Nationals Accused of Defrauding Global Users Through Google Play Crypto Scam Apps

The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, alleges that Yunfeng Sun and Hongnam Cheung defrauded over 100,000 users globally, exploiting Google’s platform to promote their deceptive schemes.

According to Google’s complaint, Sun and Cheung misrepresented their identities and the nature of their apps to gain access to Google Play. The Google Play crypto scam apps, including TionRT exchange, enticed users with promises of high returns but later blocked access to their funds. Victims reportedly suffered losses totaling tens of thousands of dollars each.

Google’s general counsel, Halimah DeLaine Prado, emphasized the company’s commitment to combating online scams, stating, “Keeping people safe online is core to our business, and we will not tolerate the misuse of our platforms to facilitate cryptocurrency scams.”

Google Seeks Damages and Injunction in Fight Against Online Fraud

The complaint details the scammers’ tactics, which involved social engineering techniques such as befriending victims through text messages and social media and then persuading them to invest in the Google Play crypto scam apps. Victims who attempted to withdraw their earnings were allegedly coerced into depositing more funds.

Despite Google’s efforts to remove 87 fake apps associated with Sun and Cheung over the past four years, scammers have continuously created new ones, utilizing various accounts and network infrastructure to evade detection.

In response to the lawsuit, Google seeks damages exceeding $75,000 and a permanent injunction restraining the defendants and their associates from accessing Google services in the future. However, the outcome may be uncertain due to the lack of a reciprocal enforcement agreement between the U.S. and China.