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But cybercriminals are adapting too. They’re placing fraudulent adverts on Google that mimic legitimate businesses, with one crucial difference: fake contact details. A victim searching for urgent help – a breakdown service, airline ticket support, or a last-minute hotel booking – might unwittingly call a scammer instead of the real company. These criminals exploit stressful situations, tricking people into handing over login credentials, financial information, or other sensitive details.
Google works hard to tackle fraudulent advertising, but the scale is vast, with over 14.5 billion ads investigated in 2023.
A simple defence? Scroll past the sponsored adverts and check website addresses carefully. If something feels off, verify phone numbers through independent sources and avoid giving personal information over the phone. Never trust an incoming call – always make the call yourself using a verified number.
Stay sharp online. The scammers are clever, but you can be smarter. 🔍
To find out how we can protect your business, contact us: 📞 028 9448 5112 ✉️ info@osgroup.co.uk 🌐 www.osgroup.co.uk