Google filed a lawsuit in New York federal court against Outsider Enterprise, an alleged Chinese cybercrime network, for using the company's Gemini AI to automate fraudulent text messaging campaigns targeting hundreds of thousands of U.S. victims. The defendants allegedly used Gemini AI to generate code and templates for fake websites that mimicked legitimate telecom portals to steal financial credentials. The lawsuit emerges as AI-powered financial scams surge across the United States, with the FBI receiving 1,008,597 total internet crime complaints in 2025.
Outsider Enterprise Allegedly Sent 2.5 Million Scam Messages
The defendants allegedly sent 2.5 million scam messages and created 8,000 phishing websites targeting financial accounts, according to court documents. The FBI said the operation deployed more than 8,000 phishing websites across dozens of countries. Google received approximately 55,000 reports of suspicious messages on Google Messages in the two-week period ending June 1, many allegedly connected to Outsider Enterprise.
The court documents indicate the network stole an estimated 3.87 million credit card numbers, contributing to roughly $1.9 billion in losses since July 2023. The phishing sites allegedly targeted various financial accounts, including cryptocurrency wallets and exchange credentials.
Google Files Lawsuit in New York Federal Court
Google filed the lawsuit Friday against Outsider Enterprise for allegedly using Gemini AI to power fraudulent campaigns. The defendants allegedly used Gemini AI to generate code and templates for fake websites that mimicked legitimate telecom portals, according to court documents. On June 12, 2026, Google announced via social media that the lawsuit targets core software developers in a cybercrime operation known as Outsider Enterprise.
FBI Reports 1 Million Internet Crime Complaints in 2025
The FBI received 1,008,597 total internet crime complaints in 2025, with crypto-related complaints accounting for 181,565 reports and $11 billion in losses—the highest of any category. For the first time in its nearly 25-year history, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center dedicated a section to artificial intelligence scams, which generated 22,364 complaints and cost Americans nearly $893 million.
The bureau's Operation Level Up, launched in 2024, has notified over 8,000 cryptocurrency fraud victims and prevented more than $500 million in potential losses. Research has shown that even leading AI models can encourage harmful behavior, raising concerns as companies like Apple integrate AI capabilities into consumer products.
FAQ
What did Google accuse Outsider Enterprise of doing?
Google filed a lawsuit in New York federal court against Outsider Enterprise for allegedly using Gemini AI to automate fraudulent text messaging campaigns targeting hundreds of thousands of U.S. victims. The defendants allegedly used Gemini AI to generate code and templates for fake websites that mimicked legitimate telecom portals to steal financial credentials.
How much money did the FBI estimate the operation caused in losses?
The FBI estimates the operation stole 3.87 million credit card numbers and caused $1.9 billion in losses since July 2023, according to court documents filed in the Google lawsuit.
How many AI-related scam complaints did the FBI receive in 2025?
For the first time in its nearly 25-year history, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center dedicated a section to artificial intelligence scams, which generated 22,364 complaints and cost Americans nearly $893 million in 2025.
