Google launches a lawsuit targeting text message scammers

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If you have a mobile phone, you have no doubt seen some dodgy texts.

They might declare that you have an overdue road toll, and urge you to "Click here to pay." Or maybe they inform you that there's a package waiting, but the address is wrong; "Click here to fix it."

More often than not, these texts are scams. The websites you are directed to are fakes, often decked out with a misappropriated Google logo to trick you into typing in sensitive payment or sign-in information. It's called a "phishing" attack β€” or "smishing" when it's done via SMS.

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And now Google has had it with scammers.

On Wednesday, the tech giant went on the offensive, filing a lawsuit with

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