● HIGH RISK
Malvertising (Malicious Ads)
The ad above a search result is not vetted by Google for honesty — it is paid placement. Scammers buy the top slot to push phishing pages, fake "support" lines, and malware, often impersonating the very brand you searched for. The first result is sometimes the most dangerous one.
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
01
How 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
02
Warning 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
03
Real-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
04
How 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
05
What To Do If You're a Victim
- 1If you just visited (didn't enter info): close the page, run malware scan
- 2If you entered credentials: change passwords immediately on the real site
- 3If you entered payment info: contact your bank NOW
- 4If you downloaded something: disconnect internet, run full malware scans
- 5If you called a fake number: watch for unauthorized charges, consider credit freeze
- 6Report the malicious ad to Google at ads.google.com/report
Report This Scam
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Malvertising (Malicious Ads)?
The ad above a search result is not vetted by Google for honesty — it is paid placement. Scammers buy the top slot to push phishing pages, fake "support" lines, and malware, often impersonating the very brand you searched for. The first result is sometimes the most dangerous one.
What are the warning signs of Malvertising (Malicious Ads)?
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).
How do I protect myself from Malvertising (Malicious Ads)?
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.
What should I do if I'm a victim of Malvertising (Malicious Ads)?
If you just visited (didn't enter info): close the page, run malware scan. If you entered credentials: change passwords immediately on the real site. If you entered payment info: contact your bank NOW. If you downloaded something: disconnect internet, run full malware scans.
How serious is this threat?
We rate this high risk. Reported losses: $26,820+ stolen in single incidents; thousands of compromised accounts. Most exposed: 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, while wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
How do I report Malvertising (Malicious Ads)?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. You should also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
Related Scams
Tech Support Scam
A pop-up, email, or call claims your computer is infected and that Microsoft or Apple needs to fix it — for a fee, and with remote access to your machine. None of it is real. Microsoft and Apple do not cold-call you about viruses, and the only thing that gets compromised is whatever you let them touch.
Fake Online Store
A storefront with real-looking products and unreal prices takes your payment and either ships nothing or sends a counterfeit. Many are built fast and abandoned just as fast. Pay by credit card so you can dispute it, and be wary of a brand-new site selling brand-name goods for a fraction.
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