Beware Of This New Spoofing Scam on Google Search

After claiming 15 victims and half a million dollars in Singapore, this scam is on its way to target you.

One fine day…

There is an issue with your bank account. Speaking to a customer care representative of your bank appears to be the next most reasonable course of action.

You google your bank name, and the bank’s ad shows up at the top of the google search results with all the relevant details.

You call the customer care number given in the ad.

You connect to a customer care representative and explain the issue you are facing.

The bank representative listens to you calmly. After seeking all the necessary information from you, he provides a solution.

You are happy with the service and end the call, thinking the issue stands resolved.

Where is the scam, you ask?

The bank representative you just spoke to was the scammer, and he just scammed you.

Moments later, you log into your bank account and see your money missing.

How did this happen?

You were spoofed. Spoofing means pretending to be something one is not -usually, a trusted and verified source.

The scammer pretended to be a customer care representative in this case.

The bank customer care number you got off google was an ad placed by the scammer. You called his bogus number and gave him all your bank account details.

Clever, isn’t it?

Google has an advertiser identity verification, but the scammers still got through.

Why Should You Be Worried?

Scamming is a global industry. A scam pulled off successfully in one part of the world is soon emulated by scammers in other parts of the world.

A copycat scam might emerge in your country soon.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Grab your bank’s customer care number from a verified source — such as the back of your debit or credit card.

Related posts:

Getting involved in your community is a great way to give back, meet new people, and get to know leading city organizations. Not only is this beneficial to your community, but to you as well. Getting…