THE FRAUD CODEXSCAM DETECTION
HIGH RISK

Malvertising (Malicious Ads)

Google sponsored ads are NOT always safe. Scammers pay for ads that appear above legitimate results, promoting phishing sites, fake customer support, and malware downloads.

Losses: $26,820+ stolen in single incidents; thousands of compromised accounts
Targets: Anyone using search engines; especially those searching for banks, software, or customer support
Updated: 2026-01-11
Also known as: Google ads scam • Sponsored links scam • Fake Google ads • Search ad phishing • Are Google ads safe

1How It Works

Malvertising (malicious advertising) is when scammers purchase legitimate ad space to promote scams. This is a massive, growing problem. **The Threat:** Anyone can buy Google ads—including criminals. They create convincing ads that appear ABOVE legitimate search results, mimicking real brands with lookalike URLs. **Types of Malicious Ads:** 1. **Fake Website Impersonation:** Ads for "paypa1.com" instead of paypal.com, stealing login credentials 2. **Fake Customer Support:** Ads showing fraudulent phone numbers for Microsoft, airlines, banks—connecting victims to scam call centers 3. **Malware Downloads:** Ads for popular software (Adobe, VLC, etc.) that deliver malware, ransomware, or keyloggers 4. **Counterfeit Stores:** Fake e-commerce sites with "80% off" deals that steal payment info 5. **Credential Harvesting:** Phishing pages that capture passwords by mimicking real login screens **Real 2025 Incidents:** - Malwarebytes discovered fake "Google Ads" advertisements ON Google, stealing advertiser accounts - A Canadian woman lost $26,820 after clicking a sponsored "CRA login" ad - Scammers ran fake Microsoft Ads login pages targeting businesses

How Scammers Make Contact

Google Search AdsBing AdsDisplay AdsSocial Media Ads

2Warning Signs & Red Flags

  • URL doesn't exactly match the brand (check for misspellings)
  • Site asks for unusual information (SSN, ATM PIN, card CVV)
  • Login page looks slightly different than usual
  • Urgent warnings: "Your account will be closed!"
  • "Too good to be true" prices (80% off luxury items)
  • Software downloads require disabling antivirus
  • Phone support immediately asks for remote computer access
  • Payment only via gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto

3Real-World Example

"Ruth Jean of London, Ontario wanted to open a business account with the Canada Revenue Agency. After entering her banking information into what she believed was the CRA website, her bank account was emptied of more than $26,820. The site was a spoofed CRA website designed to steal financial information."

— CTV News, June 2025

4How to Protect Yourself

  • Skip sponsored results—scroll to organic (non-paid) results
  • Hover over links to check URLs before clicking
  • Type important URLs directly (banks, government sites)
  • Use official app stores for software downloads
  • Look up customer support numbers on official websites only
  • Enable 2-factor authentication on all important accounts
  • Use an ad blocker like uBlock Origin (most effective protection)
  • Bookmark frequently visited login pages

5What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1If you just visited (didn't enter info): close the page, run malware scan
  2. 2If you entered credentials: change passwords immediately on the real site
  3. 3If you entered payment info: contact your bank NOW
  4. 4If you downloaded something: disconnect internet, run full malware scans
  5. 5If you called a fake number: watch for unauthorized charges, consider credit freeze
  6. 6Report the malicious ad to Google at ads.google.com/report

Report This Scam

FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft

?Frequently Asked Questions

What is Malvertising (Malicious Ads)?

Google sponsored ads are NOT always safe. Scammers pay for ads that appear above legitimate results, promoting phishing sites, fake customer support, and malware downloads. Malvertising (malicious advertising) is when scammers purchase legitimate ad space to promote scams. This is a massive, growing problem. **The Threat:** Anyone can buy Google ads—including criminals. They create convincing ads that appear ABOVE legitimate search results, mimicking real brands with ...

How common is this type of scam?

Malvertising (Malicious Ads) is classified as a high risk threat. Reported losses: $26,820+ stolen in single incidents; thousands of compromised accounts. This primarily targets Anyone using search engines; especially those searching for banks, software, or customer support.

Can I get my money back?

Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report this?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.

Sources & References

Malwarebytes: The Great Google Ads HeistGoogle: November 2025 Fraud AdvisoryThe Hacker News: Google Ads Credential TheftAllure Security: Fake Google Ads Phishing

Related Scams

Tech Support Scam

Scammers pose as Microsoft, Apple, or other tech companies to convince you your computer has a virus and charge for fake repairs.

Fake Online Store

Fraudulent e-commerce websites that take your payment but never deliver products, or send counterfeit/inferior goods.

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