Warning as fake ‘Google’ charges of 99 cents to $10 are hitting bank accounts – how to make sure you’re not swindled

AMERICANS should be on alert for a new scam involving unauthorized Google charges ranging from 99 cents to $10 appearing on their bank statements, experts have warned.

The scam was first unearthed back in October when Chase bank account holders reported seeing strange charges of $13.01 on their statements.

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The odd charge was always listed to be from Google, followed by the name of a business or person.

Dozens of other people told ABC15 that they also found bogus charges on their accounts.

Those amounts included charges of $.99, $1.07, $5, $9.99, and more.

One victim, identified only as Matthew, who uses a local bank in Bastrop, Texas, said he found 13 transactions on his account for 99 cents each.

Others have reported seeing the bogus charges on Walmart Money cards, CashApp accounts, and even accounts for government benefits.

‘WHAT THE HELL?’

A Discover account user in Tulsa said he found a series of unauthorized $5 charges on his account.

A Bank of America user also reported his account being hit repeatedly, asking: “what the hell?”

The Sun has reached out to Google for comment on the scam but has not heard back at the time of publication.

According to ABC, one person was able to get a $10 Google refund from a disputed charge totaling $50.

In most instances, banks are refunding the money and issuing victims of the scam new cards.

However, one account holder told the network’s Joe Ducey that they had another bogus charge even after locking their card.

One woman reported getting a new card along with “two new $.88 charges.”

A man also said he received more charges the day after his new card arrived.

“The low amount of money, it seems like they are testing the waters to me,” a victim named Matthew, who has a background in law enforcement, said.

“Why are these financial institutions being so hush hush about it? That’s the question of the day,” he added.

BE VIGILANT

With the scam now seemingly spreading beyond just Chase bank account holders, experts say all Americans should pay close attention to their bank and credit card statements in case they’ve unknowingly fallen victim to the same scheme.

Any issues or suspicious activity should immediately be reported to your bank.

Chase said any of its customers that have concerns about the scam or any other potentially bogus charges should visit this link.

“We encourage customers to check their accounts regularly for any transactions they don’t recognize,” Chase says. “They won’t be responsible for transactions they didn’t authorize and that they tell us about promptly.”

Discover Bank said it didn’t believe the scam was currently a widespread problem, but added: “We offer a number of ways Discover Bank customers can protect their accounts and our 100% U.S.-based customer service teams are available 24/7 to help address any questions or concerns.”

Those services included activating account alerts, which will show all charges by email, text, and/or push notification.

You can also freeze your debit card on Discover’s app or website temporarily if you suspect fraudulent activity.

This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk