Google Sues China-Based Cybercrime Network Over AI-Powered Text Scams
Google has filed a lawsuit against an organized cybercrime network it calls 'Outsider Enterprise,' accusing the China-based group of running AI-powered text scams. The case is pursued with the FBI, which is preparing enforcement actions, and in partnership with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to block messages. The network coordinated via Telegram, selling phishing kits that impersonated Google and other brands, resulting in hundreds of thousands of victims losing millions of dollars collectively. Investigators tied the group to 9,000 fake websites and over 1 million fraudulent URLs. Android users flagged 55,000 spam texts in May alone, with the Enterprise sending 2.5 million messages over that period. Google is also backing seven bipartisan bills, including the National Strategy for Combating Scams Act and the Stop SCAMS Against Seniors Act. The company noted its defenses intercept over 10 billion malicious messages monthly, and Android scam detection flags suspicious calls and contacts in real time. The FBI called the action a model for shared defense against transnational fraud.
Key facts
- Google sues China-based cybercrime network 'Outsider Enterprise' over AI-powered SMS scams.
- The operation used AI tools including Gemini to impersonate brands via fake texts.
- Network linked to 9,000 fake websites and over 1 million fraudulent URLs.
- Google blocks 10 billion malicious messages monthly; Android flags scams in real time.
- FBI prepares enforcement; Google backs seven anti-scam bills in Congress.