Google sues companies that offer fake “Google Money” schemes

Google has filed suit against several companies that are using Google’s name to trick thousands of online users into forking over their hard earned money, including a company called Pacific WebWorks.

Google blogged about its action today. Basically, these fraudsters are using products named “Google Money” to scam people.

In addition to legal action, Google continues to take other steps to help prevent consumers from being deceived, including removing scammy URLs and disabling AdWord accounts. But, the real prevention is education for online users. Stay away from tag lines like “Use Google to Make 1000s of Dollars!” or “Easy Cash with Google: You Could be Making up to $978 a Day Working from Home!” Also, just because they use Google’s name or logo, doesn’t mean they are endorsed or legit. For more tips from Google on how to spot a scam online check out this earlier post.

To check whether an offering is a scam or not, Google’s business and advertising programs websites are a good place to start. Google has also spotlighted several names to be wary of: Google Adwork, Google ATM, Google Biz Kit, Google Cash, Earn Google Cash Kit, Google Fortune, Google Marketing Kit, Google Profits, The Home Business Kit for Google, Google StartUp Kit, and Google Works.

The problem here is that Google has such a strong brand, that people trust it. And they appear to be suspending common sense when they see its name associated with products. But just like you’d be hesitant to give a stranger on the street your ATM card and pin, you should do the same online — even if the stranger calls itself Google.