Scammers Use Google Maps to Send Spam Notifications

Scammers have discovered a new way to distribute spam—through the Google Maps app. Recently, Reddit users with Android and iOS devices have reported receiving push notifications in Google Maps that request their location in exchange for a prize.

Typically, these notifications are titled: “You have received a free prize from Google,” “You have received a free prize,” and similar messages. When users tap on the notification, they are prompted to share their location.

One Reddit user described the experience: “Very strange. I just got a push notification from Maps saying ‘You have received a free prize from Google’ and thought it might be some kind of play-for-reward scheme from Google. But when I tapped it, it turned out to be from a user named ‘You Have Received a Free Prize,’ and Maps asked me to share my location with them. I found the block button and that was the end of it. Has anyone else experienced this? What happens if a trusting user decides to continue?”

Most users who receive such notifications refuse to share their data. However, some have agreed, believing the notifications were sent by nearby stores for advertising purposes. Still, after providing their location, nothing further happened.

It is currently unknown who is sending this spam through Google Maps or for what purpose. Users who receive these messages are advised to block them.