Top 6 Ways Google Can Help You Prevent Increasing Online Scams
Google has released new rules that prioritise device security, website verification, safe transactions, and investment monitoring in an effort to counteract the growing number of online scams. Google is strengthening its Trust & Safety initiatives, encouraging users to be alert and take preventative security measures as scammers take use of artificial intelligence and fraudulent schemes.
Google Strengthens Protection Against Internet Fraud
1. Using Important Events to Commit Fraud
Google encourages users to “make purchases or donations only through established platforms and official event organisers” during significant occasions like festivals and religious festivities as well as the holiday season. They use AI-powered strategies to produce realistic-looking spoof websites.
Google Advises:
Additionally, it suggests that consumers check URLs before clicking on unknown sites and confirm philanthropic offers through approved means.
2. Scams Using AI to Generate Celebrity Investments
Fraudsters are increasingly promoting fraudulent investment schemes, especially in cryptocurrency and stock trading, with AI-generated deepfake videos and fake news pieces starring well-known individuals.
Google Advises:
Keep an eye out for strange facial expressions or movements in videos, as they could indicate that the material is fraudulent. Any investment opportunity that looks too good to be true or offers abnormally high profits should be treated with extreme caution.
3. Travel booking scams and fraudulent e-commerce
Fraudsters create phoney websites that look like well-known shopping and travel portals, especially around holidays and pilgrimage seasons. UPI payment platforms are frequently used by these scammers to trick victims into making fraudulent purchases.
Google Advises:
“Never grant someone remote access to your device based on an unsolicited call or message,” Google advises. Users can report deceptive advertisements and identify advertisers through Google’s “My Ad Centre.”
4. Fraud involving Remote Access Tech Support
Scammers pretend to be tech support representatives from banks, government organisations, or well-known tech companies, offering to resolve security flaws on consumers’ equipment. They deceive victims into giving them remote access, which results in the theft of data.
Google Advises:
Never consent to remote device access based on unsolicited messages or calls. Always contact the company’s official support channels directly. Additional security can be achieved by turning on passkeys and Two-Step Verification (2SV).
5. Fraudulent Employment Offers
Scammers use lucrative remote employment promises to lure job seekers, frequently requesting advance payments or other financial transactions. Because they are advertised on employment platforms and social media, these fraudulent chances are more difficult to spot.
Google Advises:
Offers of high-paying jobs that require minimal work should raise suspicions. During the hiring process, legitimate employers never request fees.Always use the official corporate websites and channels to confirm employment offers.
6. Financial Fraud and Predatory Lending Applications
Fraudulent instant-loan applications entice consumers with high interest rates and harassment while promising speedy approvals with little paperwork. Scammers use these apps to demand access to personal information, contacts, and images, which they then use to demand money.
Google Advises:
“Avoid using loan apps that ask for your location, contacts, or photos; these are not necessary for legitimate lenders.” “Only obtain loans from authorised financial institutions and official banking apps.” Google cautions against using lending apps.
