Your online searches might be leading you straight into the hands of fraudsters. A sophisticated new scam is targeting internet users by embedding malicious URLs within the search results of seemingly legitimate websites. These cleverly disguised links, when clicked, don’t take you to the expected page. Instead, they display a fake phone number superimposed on what looks like a familiar, trusted site.
The goal? To trick you into believing you’re contacting the actual business and then have you share sensitive information or make payments to scammers disguised as customer service representatives. Imagine searching for your bank’s contact information, clicking on a result that looks perfectly normal, only to see a different phone number appear, claiming to be the bank’s official support line.
These scams often exploit vulnerabilities in how search engines display information, creating an illusion of authenticity. The malicious URLs might be subtly altered or masked, making them difficult to spot even for vigilant users. Once you’re on the fake page, the embedded fake phone number is designed to look like a direct line to the company you intended to reach, creating a false sense of security.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Double-Check the URL: Before clicking on any search result, hover over the link to see the actual web address. Look for any discrepancies or unusual characters.
- Verify Phone Numbers Directly: If you need to contact a company, navigate to their official website by typing the address directly into your browser or by using a trusted bookmark. Never rely solely on phone numbers found in search results, especially if they seem out of place.
- Be Wary of Unexpected Pop-ups: If a website suddenly displays a pop-up with a phone number to call for urgent issues, treat it with extreme suspicion.
- Use Official Apps and Bookmarks: For critical services like banking or online shopping, use their official mobile apps or previously saved, trusted bookmarks rather than relying on search engines for contact information.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this information with friends and family to create a more secure online environment for everyone.
Scammers are constantly evolving their methods. By staying aware and taking these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these deceptive tactics.