Watch out: Scammers are creating Google ads to leech off of your search traffic. This scary trick conned some people out of $500,000 in cryptocurrency. In this episode, you’ll also get some tips for snapping the perfect picture of your pets — even if they’re always moving. Plus, Ben’s spilling the beans on his very first five-star review.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don’t click the ads – Might be malware
When I have a question now, whether it’s finding a recipe or doing math, I’m using AI a lot more than doing a good ol’ Google Search. My go-to is ChatGPT, but Perplexity is useful, too. I often ask both AI bots the same question as a way to double-check things. Google Gemini is a big “meh” to me so far.
There are things Google Search works better than AI for — say, finding a software download, a customer service number or your doctor’s website. Keep in mind that cybercriminals and hackers are also using AI to up their game. You might not think twice about clicking a Google Search result, and cybercriminals know that. I don’t want you to become a victim.
Be careful where you click
Google doesn’t vet everyone who buys an ad. Cybercrooks have a long history of hiding nasty malware in Google Ads, and they’re getting really good at SEO, driving up their malicious search results to the top.
We’re talking about everything from bogus Amazon ads to fake tech support numbers. Doctors, clinics and hospitals are a major target, too. Yep, you could end up with malware just by searching Google for your doctor’s name so you can grab the address.
Any site with a ton of traffic is risky. Think YouTube, Facebook, Target and Walmart. Those are just a few companies attackers use to get you to click on their malicious results.
How to protect yourself
With more tools than ever at their disposal, scammers are good at writing things that can trick anyone. Outsmart these jerks.
- Don’t click on sponsored links or advertising when Googling something.
- Type all web addresses directly into your browser so you know you’re going to the official or legitimate site.
- Before clicking any link, hover your cursor over it to see where it goes. Does the URL look off? Don’t click it.
- Look for extras in the URL, like “USA” added to the end. For instance, instead of target.com, scammers might send you to targetusa.com. This is an easy way to make a fake version of a site you’d otherwise trust.
Browser settings to enhance your security
These simple, quick changes can help protect you.
On Chrome:
Don't click that ad! It could be hiding malware
Malware can come from pretty much anywhere nowadays. Just previewing a Word doc could infect your device. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
What do you do when you need to find something online? “Just Google it!”
Watch out for this Google ad scam — and try this trick for better pet photos
⚖️ Google busted up? The U.S. Justice Department is considering breaking up Google after a ruling the tech giant monopolized the online search market. Options include forcing Google to divest the Android operating system and Chrome browser or sell off Google Ads, its search ad program.
Need help writing emails, blog posts and ads? Google's new AI will do it for you
There is no denying that artificial intelligence will be incorporated into nearly everything. Since the massive success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot, more tech companies are harnessing the power of generative AI. Tap or click here for everything you need to know about ChatGPT.
15 things you didn’t know you can get for free
Internet advertisers are master manipulators, and they want you to feel excited about their products when you browse the web.
They want you to feel dazzled when you look at targeted ads. These emotions inspire you to whip out your credit card and buy the cool tech gadgets and services lighting up your screen. Tap or click here for a few ways to avoid personalized ads on social media.
Don’t click on Google ads: Malware wormed its way into search ads for Google Authenticator. They were very hard to spot, with the display URL “https://www.google.com” and the advertiser “verified by Google.” Need to download something? Scroll past the ads and sponsored content, or type in the official address yourself.
Bad ads: Fake Google ads for browser company Arc are routing people to a landing page that looks nearly identical to the real one. When you install the software, malware sends your data to a shady IP address. Tip: If a download tells you to right-click to open instead of just double-clicking, it’s a scam. That’s a trick they use to bypass macOS security.
🚨 Heads-up: Hackers are using Google ads for “Facebook.com” to steal login details. Click one of the ads, and you’ll be redirected to a dodgy site filled with malicious pop-ups. Remember, anyone can buy Google ads. Don’t search to get to a site; if you know the URL (and we all know Facebook’s URL), just type it in.
This Amazon phishing scheme is stealing passwords
Amazon Web Services (AWS) forms the backbone of many online businesses as it’s an on-demand cloud platform that offers storage, website hosting, IT infrastructure, developer tools and more. Essentially, it’s a one-stop shop for anything you need to run your online company or service.
Stop looking for free software this way - It's a malware trap
The Google Ads network is home to many seedy individuals, and this new development sheds light on how dangerous your search results can be. What is malvertising? What can you do to protect yourself? Tap or click here for everything you need to keep your data safe.
Opt-out Tuesday: How to remove yourself from PeopleByName
Like it or not, your information is all over the internet. Government records reveal private information, including your full legal name and arrest records. On top of that, security breaches leak highly critical data, like your address and Social Security number.
3 ways to optimize your website before 2023
If you have an e-commerce store, I bet you’re reaping the benefits of holiday shopping. Whether you’re selling products or services, there’s always room for improvement. That’s why we’re sharing three of the best website optimization tips.
How to buy Google search ads for your business or side hustle
Marketing for your small business used to be as simple as sending out a few fliers or having an ad posted in a newspaper. If you were feeling ambitious, you could spring for a television commercial. Those days are gone.
Watch out for this scam ad popping up in YouTube
If you have spent any time on YouTube, you have seen a few ads. For the most part, advertising is through skippable in-stream ads. That’s when you see those short videos before or after the video you want to watch. Don’t like what you see? Here are eight YouTube pro tricks for better searches and more privacy.
Google ad scam, take better pet photos, Ben's first 5-star review
Scammers have a clever new tactic that really works. They’re creating Google ads to piggyback off search traffic; one scheme cost people over $500,000 in cryptocurrency in one weekend. Plus, tips for taking better pictures of your furry friends, and Ben gives his first five-Ben head review. Listen to find out what merited the honor.
Tech Refresh: Google ad scam, take better pet photos, Ben's first 5-star review
Scammers have a clever new tactic that really works. They’re creating Google ads to piggyback off search traffic; one scheme cost people over $500,000 in cryptocurrency in one weekend. Plus, tips for taking better pictures of your furry friends, and Ben gives his first five-Ben head review. Listen to find out what merited the honor.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5 ways you're being tracked that you can stop right now
You probably know by now that you’re being tracked. However, you might not know just how much people already know about you. Google alone knows what you’re watching, where you’re going and what you’re interested in online.
Who's actually behind the ads you see online? Now you can easily find out
It’s no exaggeration to say that Google is the backbone of the web. Not only is its search engine used by 87.35% of the people online, but its ad services are also responsible for much of the digital economy as we know it today.
YouTube has a free, easy-to-use ad tool perfect for small businesses
Everyone is feeling the financial crush from the COVID-19 pandemic these days — and businesses are not immune. The loan program recently launched to help small businesses retain employees and get through the tough times ran out of money in a matter of days, even as business owners waited in line for help.