Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google has been directed by India to shut down hundreds of accounts on its Firebase web development platform after authorities identified a pattern of scammers using the service to impersonate major banks and defraud users, Reuters reported Friday.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre issued three August notices to Google seeking the removal of at least 57 Firebase-hosted sites and databases allegedly used to distribute malware and steal financial data, according to the report.

Google can be held liable for the named links if they are not removed within three hours of receiving a notice, according to the government notices reviewed by Reuters.

Google said it has strict policies against phishing, malware and financial fraud and works with law enforcement to assess and act on removal requests, Reuters added.

Google didn't immediately respond to a request for comment by MT Newswires.

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