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Cyber Scammers Exploit Google Ads and Brand Sites in a Dangerous New Scheme
Cybercrime continues to evolve, and the latest wave of scams targets unsuspecting users in search of tech support. Hackers are now exploiting search enginesâespecially sponsored ads on Googleâto mislead people looking for help from companies like Apple, Microsoft, PayPal, Netflix, and Bank of America. What makes this scam especially insidious is that victims often land on the real website of the brand they searched for. But once there, they see a fake customer support number inserted by scammers using a sneaky trick called search parameter injection. Itâs a clever way to make fraudulent contact info appear legitimate by blending it seamlessly into trusted brand pages. Malwarebytes has sounded the alarm, warning both users and companies to strengthen their defenses before more people fall for this increasingly convincing trap.
Cyber Scams Disguised in Plain Sight
Sophisticated Tactics Behind the Scenes
A new technique in online fraud involves exploiting search parameters to mislead users who are trying to reach legitimate customer service centers. Cybercriminals are manipulating Google search ads so that when users search for help from trusted companies, theyâre redirected to the real websitesâonly with one critical difference: the search results are poisoned. Instead of seeing accurate help information, users are shown a fake support number inserted directly into the brandâs search result display.
Real Brands, Fake Phone Numbers
This attack is particularly convincing because the user lands on the correct brandâs domain, giving them no reason to suspect foul play. For example, if someone clicks on a Google ad for Netflix support, theyâre taken to Netflixâs actual support site. However, what they donât realize is that scammers have injected a fraudulent phone number into the search results. Because the domain looks genuine and the page structure matches expectations, users are misled into believing the fake number is real.
Brands Vulnerable Due to Weak Input Validation
Sites like Netflix and Apple are especially vulnerable due to poor handling of user-inputted search queries. If the site reflects what the user typed without sanitization, hackers can craft URLs that embed malicious inputs into otherwise harmless-looking pages. On Appleâs support page, the trick can be even subtlerâthe site may show âno resultsâ but leave only the fake number prominently displayed.
Fake Support Agents Steal Information
Once the victim dials the number, the real damage begins. Fraudsters posing as brand support agents ask for sensitive data, including payment details, personal information, or even remote access to the victimâs device. This scam becomes particularly dangerous when financial institutions like PayPal or Bank of America are involved, as hackers may gain direct access to accounts.
Malwarebytes Steps In
Malwarebytesâ Browser Guard has been able to detect some of these scams by warning users when suspicious changes are made to a webpage, such as the injection of fake numbers. But the company also stresses that prevention must start at the source. Brands need to eliminate input reflection vulnerabilities and apply better validation protocols across their platforms.
Variable Tactics, Same Goal
The technique differs slightly across various brand sites. On HPâs page, the search result reads â4 Results forâŚâ followed by the attackerâs inserted phrase, which could raise suspicion. But in many cases, such as Facebook or Microsoft, the deception is more polished, making it harder for users to spot the scam.
The Threat Continues to Grow
This method is part of a broader trend where cybercriminals weaponize search engine advertising to target consumers. Itâs a clever end-run around standard security awareness because users feel safe once they land on a trusted site. But as these tactics evolve, both users and businesses must remain alert. Verifying support numbers through official channels and avoiding sponsored ads for support queries are now critical safety steps.
What Undercode Say:
The Growing Exploitation of Trust and Search Behavior
The core strategy behind this attack taps into a psychological blind spot: trust in familiar brands and websites. By abusing that trust, hackers are creating one of the most convincing phishing techniques in recent years. It’s not about spoofing a website anymoreâit’s about exploiting real ones in ways the user can’t easily detect. This represents a dangerous shift from traditional fake-site scams to real-site manipulation.
Why Sponsored Ads Are the New Attack Vector
Google Ads have become a powerful marketing toolâbut now theyâre being weaponized. When users click on sponsored results, they’re typically in a hurry or distressed, such as needing tech support. This urgency makes them more likely to fall for a well-disguised scam. These fraudulent ads bypass most traditional security filters because theyâre bought and placed just like any other legitimate business.
Technical Weaknesses in Brand Platforms
Sites that reflect user input directly into search result pages are creating massive opportunities for attackers. Netflix, for example, reflects unfiltered input into its help center results, which scammers exploit to display fraudulent contact info. Brands must move fast to apply input validation and sanitization to search functionality. Without this, even a secure domain becomes a weapon in the hands of hackers.
Why This Scam Is So Effective
The beauty of this techniqueâif you’re the attackerâis that it requires almost no effort from the user to fall victim. No downloads, no forms, no shady redirects. Everything looks legit because the brand’s own domain and layout remain intact. The only “poison” is the phone number, which victims dial themselves.
Remote Access Is the Final Blow
Once users make the call, attackers often guide them to install remote-access tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer. At that point, the victim unknowingly gives full control to the attacker, enabling theft of data, files, and in some cases, financial fraud directly through the userâs own device.
Regulatory and Platform Responsibility
Search engines like Google need to bolster their ad verification systems. While they do screen for harmful ads, attackers use fast rotation tacticsâconstantly swapping domains or accountsâto stay ahead. Platforms should implement more aggressive human reviews for support-related ads, especially those pointing to major brands.
User Education Isnât Enough
Although user education helps, itâs no longer sufficient. The level of sophistication here means users need technical support to avoid becoming victims. Browser extensions like Malwarebytes Browser Guard and DNS-level filtering solutions offer an added layer of defense, but the root problem remains: platforms arenât validating user-generated input correctly.
A Call to Action for Major Brands
Big names like PayPal, Apple, and Microsoft must take this threat seriously and patch their websites immediately. Trust is one of the most valuable assets these companies have. If users begin to question whether their official website might be laced with fake numbers, brand reputation will suffer alongside user safety.
đ Fact Checker Results:
â
Malwarebytes confirms the attack vector using legitimate brand domains and poisoned search parameters
â
Search engines like Google are being abused through sponsored ads to launch these scams
â
Real brand websites (Apple, Netflix, etc.) are vulnerable due to poor handling of reflected input
đ Prediction:
đŽ This method of injecting fake support info into genuine brand websites will spread to other industries beyond tech and banking. Expect scammers to target healthcare, insurance, and government portals next. Search engine ad vetting will tighten, but input vulnerabilities will remain a top vector for cyberattacks until properly addressed. đ
References:
Reported By: cyberpress.org
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