Address bar shows hp.com. Browser displays scammers' malicious text anyway
a year ago
- #scams
- #tech-support
- #cybersecurity
- Tech support scammers inject fake phone numbers into official websites via Google ads.
- Scammers use appended parameters in URLs to inject fake numbers without altering the hostname.
- The scam targets users of Apple, PayPal, Netflix, and other major sites.
- Malwarebytes has identified the scam and now alerts users to such threats.
- The fake numbers can deceive users, especially those with vision impairments or cognitive decline.
- Scammers pose as company representatives to steal personal or financial information.
- Google ads are currently the primary vector for this scam.
- Preventative measures include avoiding Google ads and clicking on organic search results instead.