Whether you’re googling for answers, looking for phone numbers, or searching for a popular social media site, simple search engine inquiries can pose a threat with AI scams on the rise.
An expert who spoke to ABC13 explained that attackers are exploiting “search engine optimization.”
Mitchem Boles from GuidePoint Security said attackers buy ads online and ensure they rank high in your search results, making their websites appear legitimate.
He provided examples, such as searching for “PayPal.” Upon closer inspection, some of the top search results are not legitimate sites.
“So, the advertisements at the top make it easier to find. They might say, ‘Sign into your account – Securely access your account,’ but the ad itself links to a fake website,” Boles demonstrated. “That’s not PayPal’s website.”
While checking for obvious spelling errors on websites and emails can help identify fraud, AI has advanced to the point where more scrutiny is necessary.
“There could be subtle differences, like a ‘U’ looking like a horseshoe, indicating a scam,” Boles said. “It’s hard to notice if you’re not looking closely, and this entices you to click.”
Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Bookmark or save websites you visit often, especially social media and banking sites.
- Type in the URL yourself if you’re familiar with it.
- Download and use apps for the companies you frequently visit.
Boles demonstrated another example: “If I search for ‘Lowes,’ it looks like the legitimate site is at the top. But this is how it redirects you.” When he clicked on the search result for Lowes that appeared legitimate, it redirected to a clearly malicious site.
By following these tips, you can better protect yourself from these sophisticated scams.