Google has filed a lawsuit to dismantle a cybercrime operation, "Outsider Enterprise," which uses AI to impersonate brands via scam text messages (smishing) to steal passwords and credit card information. The group deployed thousands of fake websites and millions of fraudulent domains and texts, primarily targeting Android users. Google is combating these AI-driven scams with its own AI tools and collaborating with telecom providers and the FBI to block messages and pursue legal action.
Phishing Google sues to dismantle AI-powered cybercrime operation June 12, 2026 Share By SC Staff (Adobe Stock) As reported by TechCrunch, Google has filed a lawsuit aimed at disrupting a large-scale cybercrime operation that allegedly leverages artificial intelligence to conduct its scams. The tech giant announced its legal action against a group identified as Outsider Enterprise, which is accused of using AI to send deceptive text messages. The lawsuit targets Outsider Enterprise, a network believed to be based in China, for allegedly using AI to impersonate Google and other brands in scam text messages. The objective of these messages is to steal victims' passwords and credit card information. Google estimates that "hundreds of thousands of victims" have been financially impacted, with losses in the "millions." In a two-week period, the group reportedly deployed 9,000 fake websites, 1 million fraudulent web domains, and sent 2.5 million scam texts to Android users. Google stated that its own AI-powered tools are used to combat these AI-driven scams, successfully detecting and intercepting over 10 billion scam messages monthly. The company is collaborating with major telecommunication providers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to block these messages and is working with the FBI on law enforcement actions. Source: TechCrunch SC Staff Related Phishing Scammers use short videos on social media to spread Vidar infostealer SC Staff June 10, 2026 This new attack method, reported by ReversingLabs, involves creating seemingly helpful tutorial videos that promise free access to premium applications such as Spotify Premium or Microsoft Word. Phishing Suspected North Korean actors use fake ‘coding assignments’ to steal crypto Laura French June 9, 2026 Targets are encouraged to clone Git repositories to their VS Code or Cursor code editors. Phishing Google rolls out scam call detection for Android SC Staff June 3, 2026 The fake call detection feature works automatically when both the caller and recipient are using the Phone by Google app. Get daily email updates SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news Business Email By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Subscribe You can skip this ad in 5 seconds