Threat Actors Manipulate Google Search Results to Display Scammer’s Phone Number Instead of Real Number

Threat actors are increasingly exploiting the trust users place in sponsored search results on platforms like Google to orchestrate sophisticated scams.

These malicious entities craft deceptive advertisements that mimic legitimate websites, particularly targeting popular brands and tech support services.

By leveraging the visibility of paid ads, which often appear at the top of search results, cybercriminals trick unsuspecting users into interacting with fraudulent content designed to compromise personal data or extract financial gains.

Cybercriminals Exploit Trust in Sponsored Ads

A recent investigation has uncovered a particularly insidious scheme where tech support scammers manipulate search engine results to display their fake contact numbers in place of authentic ones.

In this scam, when users search for customer support details of well-known companies, the top results often marked as sponsored or paid ads redirect them to malicious sites or display fraudulent phone numbers.

Instead of ...