India Orders Google to Remove Fraudulent Firebase Accounts Targeting Banks

The Indian government has directed Google to take down multiple Firebase accounts after discovering they were being used to impersonate major banks like SBI, ICICI, and Axis Bank. These accounts were involved in phishing scams, luring victims with fake offers related to credit cards and rewards. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) issued notices for the removal of 57 websites and databases, with seven directly mimicking bank applications. The scams have resulted in significant financial losses, with nearly ₹22,500 crore lost to cyber fraud in 2025 alone. Google stated it has strict policies against such misuse and is cooperating with law enforcement. The crackdown comes amid a broader effort to combat digital payment fraud in India. The Reserve Bank of India is also implementing measures to enhance security and protect consumers from unauthorized transactions.

Key Points: • Indian government has ordered the removal of 57 fraudulent Firebase accounts impersonating banks. • Scammers used these accounts to execute phishing schemes, targeting sensitive financial information. • In 2025, India reported ₹22,500 crore in losses due to cyber fraud, highlighting the urgency of the crackdown.