Scammers have a clever new tactic that really works. They’re creating Google ads to piggyback off search traffic; one scheme cost people over $500,000 in cryptocurrency in one weekend. Plus, tips for taking better pictures of your furry friends, and Ben gives his first five-Ben head review. Listen to find out what merited the honor.
Don’t click the ads – Might be malware
When I have a question now, whether it’s finding a recipe or doing math, I’m using AI a lot more than doing a good ol’ Google Search. My go-to is ChatGPT, but Perplexity is useful, too. I often ask both AI bots the same question as a way to double-check things. Google Gemini is a big “meh” to me so far.
There are things Google Search works better than AI for — say, finding a software download, a customer service number or your doctor’s website. Keep in mind that cybercriminals and hackers are also using AI to up their game. You might not think twice about clicking a Google Search result, and cybercriminals know that. I don’t want you to become a victim.
Be careful where you click
Google doesn’t vet everyone who buys an ad. Cybercrooks have a long history of hiding nasty malware in Google Ads, and they’re getting really good at SEO, driving up their malicious search results to the top.
We’re talking about everything from bogus Amazon ads to fake tech support numbers. Doctors, clinics and hospitals are a major target, too. Yep, you could end up with malware just by searching Google for your doctor’s name so you can grab the address.
Any site with a ton of traffic is risky. Think YouTube, Facebook, Target and Walmart. Those are just a few companies attackers use to get you to click on their malicious results.
How to protect yourself
With more tools than ever at their disposal, scammers are good at writing things that can trick anyone. Outsmart these jerks.
- Don’t click on sponsored links or advertising when Googling something.
- Type all web addresses directly into your browser so you know you’re going to the official or legitimate site.
- Before clicking any link, hover your cursor over it to see where it goes. Does the URL look off? Don’t click it.
- Look for extras in the URL, like “USA” added to the end. For instance, instead of target.com, scammers might send you to targetusa.com. This is an easy way to make a fake version of a site you’d otherwise trust.
Browser settings to enhance your security
These simple, quick changes can help protect you.
On Chrome:
Don't click that ad! It could be hiding malware
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Don’t click on Google ads: Malware wormed its way into search ads for Google Authenticator. They were very hard to spot, with the display URL “https://www.google.com” and the advertiser “verified by Google.” Need to download something? Scroll past the ads and sponsored content, or type in the official address yourself.
Bad ads: Fake Google ads for browser company Arc are routing people to a landing page that looks nearly identical to the real one. When you install the software, malware sends your data to a shady IP address. Tip: If a download tells you to right-click to open instead of just double-clicking, it’s a scam. That’s a trick they use to bypass macOS security.
🚨 Heads-up: Hackers are using Google ads for “Facebook.com” to steal login details. Click one of the ads, and you’ll be redirected to a dodgy site filled with malicious pop-ups. Remember, anyone can buy Google ads. Don’t search to get to a site; if you know the URL (and we all know Facebook’s URL), just type it in.
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You love Google. In fact, you can’t live without it, if you’re like most people.
You use Google dozens of times a day and you may not even know it. Sure, you use the Google search engine to find everything from driving directions to your doctor’s office to your library’s hours to news updates and personal information about your daughter’s fiance.