bank

The Indian government has directed Google to shut down hundreds of accounts and links hosted on its Firebase platform after authorities uncovered a scam pattern involving the impersonation of major banks. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre ordered the removal of at least 57 Firebase-hosted websites and databases in August alone.

According to reports, criminals have exploited legitimate cloud and app-development infrastructure to spread malware, collect stolen credit card details, and gather one-time passwords from phones. Some malicious sites mimicked institutions such as SBI, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank. Victims were reportedly lured through offers regarding new credit cards, reward-point redemptions, and credit-limit upgrades before being directed to harmful links.

Government data indicates that online scams have become a pressing law enforcement challenge, with Indians losing nearly $2.4 billion to alleged cyber fraud in 2025. While Google maintains that it prohibits phishing, malware, and financial fraud and works alongside law enforcement on removal notices, uncertainty remains regarding the full scale of illicit operations hosted on developer platforms.

Separately, ICICI Bank completed the issuance of $750 million in senior notes. Google Trending Now shows increased search interest in bank.