INDIANAPOLIS - These days, when you want to find or learn about something, you Google it.
Unfortunately, you can’t always trust your Google search results anymore because scammers are paying to put their fake websites at the top. You’ve probably noticed by now that when you search Google for something, the top results tend to have a little “sponsored” symbol next to them. Companies are paying to get their websites to the top of your search results like buying ads.
When scammers do it, it’s called “Malvertising,” or “malware advertising.” According to Guardio Security, crooks are using Google ads to promote their own websites to the top of search results just like legitimate companies do.
However, if you click on one of the scammers’ sites, they’ll try to trick you into giving them sensitive information or the website will upload malware or a virus to your computer or device.
Although Google spends billions of dollars to filter out these bogus sites, scammers are always evolving and finding new ways to circumvent security measures. It stands to reason that if scammers have the money to buy these ads, they must be making money off potential victims.
To avoid these scams, Guardio recommendations watching for these warning signs:
- "Sponsored" labels: Always look for the "Sponsored" label at the top of search results—this indicates a paid ad, which may not always be trustworthy, and is definitely worth passing on.
- Suspicious URLs: Check the URL closely; legitimate sites will have clean, recognizable web addresses, while scam sites often use odd or misspelled URLs.
- Urgent or sensational language: Be cautious of urgent or sensational language in the ad text, as scammers often use this to prompt quick, unthinking clicks.
- Website design: Scrutinize the website design—although scammers are good at mimicking real sites, there may be subtle differences in logos, fonts, or layouts.
- Requests for sensitive information: If a site asks for sensitive information upfront or prompts unexpected downloads, it's a major red flag.
- Use cybersecurity software: Utilizing cybersecurity software like Guardio can help determine if an ad or search result is legitimate. How, you may ask? Well, if you click end up clicking a malicious link or ad, Guardio will immediately block it, ensuring you're safe no matter where you navigate online.