In response to the increasing prevalence of online fraud, Google has initiated a campaign aimed at enhancing consumer awareness regarding these threats.
The Trust and Safety team at Google will regularly share valuable information and guidance to help users stay informed and safeguard themselves against the latest scams.
Here are five common types of online fraud identified by Google:
- Celebrity Impersonation Campaigns: Scammers utilize deepfake technology to mimic public figures, promoting phishing schemes through convincing content. These campaigns often leverage artificial intelligence to lure users into participating in fake giveaways or investment opportunities that promise high returns.
- Cryptocurrency Investment Scams: Fraudsters use fabricated images of well-known celebrities and reputable brands to entice victims into investment schemes offering unrealistic returns. According to Google, these scams frequently originate from organized crime networks, complicating law enforcement efforts due to their international nature.
- Fraudulent Apps and Websites: Scammers replicate legitimate apps and websites to collect personal information or distribute malware. Common tactics include crafting fake technical support pages or exploiting access portals to acquire sensitive data, such as employee login credentials.
- Cloaked Landing Pages: Fraudsters employ deceptive practices to create differences between what Google recognizes and what users see on landing pages. These often appear as legitimate websites and invoke a sense of urgency, prompting users to take actions that could compromise their security.
- Exploiting Major Events: Google has noted that fraudsters increasingly use artificial intelligence to enhance traditional fraud methods, targeting significant events like elections, sports, and disasters with counterfeit products and services.
With this information, Google aims to empower users to remain vigilant and protect themselves against the ever-evolving landscape of online scams.