Pune’s Kayani Bakery Targeted By Cyber Scam Again: Fake Google Listing Dupes Customers

September 5, 2024 

Pune’s iconic Kayani Bakery has once again become the target of a cyber scam, just eight months after a similar incident. On Saturday, the bakery’s owners lodged a complaint with the Pune Police regarding a fraudulent scheme conducted under the bakery’s name. On August 30, the owner of Kayani Bakery filed a complaint in the Lashkar police station a fake listing has been created on our name on Google which is scamming our esteemed customers. In its letter to the police, the owners stated that there is a number 6901693142 which asks people to pay for the products. 

“We express serious concern that customers are being cheated in our name by promising delivery, collecting money and committing fraud in our name. They are asking for payment over the phone, which we never do. They are using images of the partners, the shop, the employees of the bakery to make it look genuine. In doing so, they are stealing our identity and goodwill and are committing fraud in our name. The matter is already reported to Google on August 30, 2024.”, the letter stated. 

The complaint was filed by Rustom Kayani, one of the bakery’s partners, at the Lashkar police station after discovering a fake Google listing that falsely represented Kayani Bakery. The complaint highlights that unknown individuals had created a counterfeit Google business profile, misleading customers.

“What’s perplexing is that Google has suspended the legitimate profile of Kayani Bakery, while the fraudulent listing remains active and visible to the public. We reported the issue to Google on Friday but have yet to receive a response,” said Rustom.

The fraudulent listing featured a fake address and a mobile number allegedly used by the cybercriminals to swindle customers. 

“We are deeply concerned that these criminals are using our name to deceive customers, tarnishing our reputation and goodwill in the process,” Rustom added.

The genuine Google listing for Kayani Bakery was unexpectedly suspended, while the fraudulent listing remains. “It’s shocking that this is happening again. Over the last few days, we’ve received fresh complaints from customers who have been duped by these fraudsters. We are extremely worried,” Rustom expressed.