The convenience of Google Search is being exploited by online criminals. Cybercriminals are leveraging Google search results to carry out fraudulent activities. The Cyber Dost initiative, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is actively informing people about the risks of Google scams and how to protect themselves.
Methods of Operation:
* Fake Advertisements: Scammers create deceptive ads that direct users to malicious websites, aiming to trick them into visiting these sites.
* Fake Contact Numbers: Scammers use Google Search to disseminate fake customer service numbers and other contact information. When users call these numbers, they are targeted for fraud.
* Data Theft: Scammers utilize fake websites to steal OTPs and banking details.
How Scammers Achieve High Rankings on Google:
Scammers use paid advertising and Black-Hat SEO techniques to rank their fake websites at the top of Google searches, thus increasing the likelihood of people being deceived.
To protect yourself from these scams:
* Always visit official websites and use official apps.
* Obtain customer care numbers only from the official websites of banks.
* Double-check the URL of any link before clicking. Be cautious of suspicious URLs.
* Never share personal or banking details with unknown individuals via WhatsApp or phone calls.