Cybercriminals Exploit Google Search Results to Scam Users Seeking Tech Support

Cybercriminals are reportedly engineering fraudulent search results to trick unsuspecting victims seeking tech support assistance. The criminals use sponsored search results on Google to target people looking for 24/7 support for Apple, Bank of America, Facebook, HP, Microsoft, Netflix, and PayPal. The fake advertisements direct users to copycat websites that imitate the sites of these big brands. Instead of posting a real tech support phone number, the sites direct people to call scam numbers. The browser address bar will show that of the legitimate site, and so there’s no reason for suspicion. However, the information the visitor sees will be misleading, because the search results have been poisoned to display the scammer’s number prominently in what looks like an official search result.

Once the number is called, the scammers will pose as the brand with the aim of getting their victim to hand over personal data or card details, or even allow remote access to their computer. In the case of Bank of America or PayPal, the scammers want access to their victim’s financial account so they can empty it of money. The senior director of research at the antivirus firm Malwarebytes, Jérôme Segura, warns that people seeking tech support online should be aware of various scam warning signs, like a phone number in the URL and encoded characters like the %20 (space) and %2B (+ sign), along with phone numbers. Segura also says people should look out for websites that display urgent language like “Call Now,” “Account suspended,” and “Emergency support,” as well as similarly urgent language in the address bar of the browser.

This widespread scam highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals in exploiting search engine vulnerabilities to deceive users. The use of sponsored search results to direct victims to fraudulent websites underscores the need for increased vigilance and awareness among internet users. The scammers' tactics, which include mimicking legitimate websites and using urgent language to create a sense of urgency, are designed to exploit the trust and urgency of users seeking immediate support. The fact that the scammers are targeting major brands like Apple, Bank of America, and Netflix indicates that they are likely to have a broad reach and impact, affecting a large number of users who rely on these services for their daily activities.

The implications of this scam are significant, as it not only affects individual users but also has the potential to damage the reputation of the targeted brands. The scammers' ability to mimic legitimate websites and use official-looking search results to deceive users highlights the need for increased security measures and user education. The use of sponsored search results to direct victims to fraudulent websites is a concerning trend, as it exploits the trust that users place in search engines to provide accurate and reliable information. The scammers' tactics, which include mimicking legitimate websites and using urgent language to create a sense of urgency, are designed to exploit the trust and urgency of users seeking immediate support. The fact that the scammers are targeting major brands like Apple, Bank of America, and Netflix indicates that they are likely to have a broad reach and impact, affecting a large number of users who rely on these services for their daily activities.