A recent court filing unveils a legal battle that underscores the potential vulnerabilities of digital platforms in safeguarding user interests. Maria Vaca, through her attorneys, filed a complaint against Google, LLC in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara on February 28, 2025. The lawsuit accuses Google of negligence and various forms of misrepresentation concerning the safety and authenticity of applications available on its Google Play Store.
Maria Vaca's complaint alleges that Google's aggressive marketing strategies falsely assured users about the security and reliability of apps on its platform. This alleged misrepresentation led Vaca to download an app named "Yobit Pro," which she believed was a legitimate cryptocurrency wallet. However, this app turned out to be malicious, resulting in the theft of over $5 million worth of cryptocurrency from Vaca's accounts. The lawsuit highlights how scammers exploit Google's purportedly lax app review process to distribute harmful applications under the guise of legitimacy. According to Vaca’s attorneys, Google's failure to adequately vet apps allowed Yobit Pro to operate unchecked for months, causing significant financial loss and emotional distress to users like Vaca.
The complaint details multiple causes of action against Google: negligence, promissory estoppel, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, constructive fraud, violations of California's False Advertising Law and Consumer Legal Remedies Act, as well as Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Each claim is meticulously outlined with allegations that Google failed in its duty to protect users by allowing deceptive apps like Yobit Pro onto its platform despite assurances otherwise. The lawsuit contends that Google's representations about app safety were misleading and not supported by effective protective measures or rigorous review processes.
Vaca seeks compensatory damages exceeding $5 million for her financial losses and emotional suffering caused by these events. Additionally, she requests equitable relief such as rescission and restitution alongside pre-judgment interest and coverage for legal fees incurred during this litigation process. The case calls into question the responsibilities tech giants have towards their consumers regarding cybersecurity assurances and transparent operations.
Representing Maria Vaca are attorneys Bernard C. Carollo Jr., Christopher T. Vernon from Vernon Litigation Group based in Naples, Florida; alongside Frederick A. Rispoli from Hodl Law Cali APC located in Ladera Ranch, California. The case is being overseen under Case No.: 25CV460041 at the Superior Court of California with Judge Y. Chavez reviewing initial filings.