Google is facing legal action after a Florida woman, Maria Vaca, filed a lawsuit in a California state court, claiming that a malicious cryptocurrency wallet app downloaded from the Google Play Store resulted in the theft of $5 million in cryptocurrency. Vaca alleges that the app, named Yobit Pro, exploited Google’s portrayal of the Play Store as a secure and trustworthy platform, which led to her devastating financial loss.
Vaca allegedly invested $4.6 million into the Yobit Pro app. When her balance was raised to $7 million she attempted to withdraw her money. Yobit Pro asked Vaca to pay $500,000 in “taxes,” which Vaca evidently did. When Vaca refused to pay the money, she says she was contacted by the unidentified cyber-criminals who threatened to kill her if she didn’t invest the money.
The lawsuit raises significant concerns about Google’s responsibility in preventing such fraudulent apps from being available on its platform. Despite the company’s stated efforts to restrict and regulate advertising from scammers and illegal businesses, Vaca’s case suggests that these measures are insufficient. The persistence of such malicious apps on the Play Store indicates potential gaps in Google’s app vetting process and overall platform security.
Vaca’s complaint includes claims of negligence, promissory estoppel, and violations of California’s false advertising and consumer protection laws. She argues that Google failed to live up to its promises of a secure platform, thereby contributing to her loss.
This case underscores the growing issue of cybercriminals exploiting cryptocurrencies to defraud individuals, and it highlights the urgent need for more stringent regulations and oversight within the crypto industry. As more consumers fall victim to such scams, the pressure mounts on tech giants like Google to enhance their security measures and prevent the proliferation of fraudulent apps on their platforms.
