These are the most damaging scams around, according to Google — so be on your guard
Cloaking and AI scams are defrauding victims, Google warns
· TechRadarNews By Ellen Jennings-Trace published 17 November 2024
- Google has released a scam advisory
- 'Cloaking' is being used by threat actors
- AI is helping scammers take advantage of popular events
Google has revealed a new report outlining the most common techniques threat actors are using against victims, highlighting a practice known as ‘Cloaking’ as a way to deceive users into disclosing sensitive information.
The technique uses tools called ‘cloakers’ to show different content to different users based on identifying information such as IP addresses. Often, cloaking will involve showing one version of a landing page or website to search engines and bots, and another version to real human users.
“Cloaking is specifically designed to prevent moderation systems and teams from reviewing policy-violating content which enables them to deploy the scam directly to users”, Laurie Richardson, Vice President, Trust & Safety at Google wrote in the report.
Scareware and malware
Cloaking does have some legitimate uses, such as for advertisers who want to prevent their pages from being scraped by bots, or who want to hide their strategies from competitors. However, Google has observed scammers using cloaking tools to redirect users who click an ad to scareware sites.
This then tricks users into believing their device is infected with malware, or that their account has been blocked due to unauthorized activity - which tricks them into a false ‘customer support’ site, to which they reveal sensitive information.
“The landing pages often mimic well-known sites and create a sense of urgency to manipulate users into purchasing counterfeit products or unrealistic products.” Google says.
Other techniques outlined were the exploitation of major events. Scammers take advantage of significant events such as elections, sports fixtures, or humanitarian disasters. The well established technique is being bolstered by AI tools, which are able to quickly respond to breaking news and advertise false products and services.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors