Fake Sponsored Links

Have a look at the image below.  Would you notice the difference if you were in the middle of looking up an order?  The first link is a "sponsored" link that a scammer has paid to have at the top.  The second link is the actual "organic" result.  Make it your personal policy to never click on sponsored links.  When you click on a malicious sponsored link, you will be taken to a page that looks legitimate but is actually controlled by the scammers.  From there, they will get you to enter your personal information, credit card number, login credentials, etc., which will be saved on their systems to be used for fraud and identity theft.

Sponsored search link scams involve scammers buying ad space in search engine results, appearing at the top as "sponsored" or "ad" links, to trick users into clicking through to fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate services or products, often leading to phishing, malware infection, or financial scams.

Ad Placement

Scammers purchase ad space through platforms like Google Ads or Bing Ads. These ads are designed to appear at the top of search results for common queries, making them highly visible and likely to be clicked by users.

They often use legitimate-looking URLs, logos, or branding in the ad to deceive users into thinking they're clicking through to a trusted site.

Misleading Links

The URL displayed in the ad might look correct or very similar to the legitimate site, but clicking on it redirects users to a completely different or slightly altered URL controlled by the scammer.

This redirection can be subtle, employing techniques like typosquatting (using URLs with slight misspellings of popular domains) or leading to sites that are designed to mimic the look of real websites but are, in fact, fraudulent.

Type of Scams

Phishing: The fake site might ask for login details or personal information, pretending to be a service like Amazon, a bank, or a well-known software download site.

Malware Distribution: Users could be prompted to download software, which is actually malicious software or malware.

Fake eCommerce: Websites that look like popular online stores but are designed to take payment for non-existent products or to overcharge for items.

Tech Support Scams: Sites that claim to provide technical support, leading to scams where users are convinced to pay for unnecessary or non-existent services.

Exploitation Techniques

Urgency: Ads might create a sense of urgency ("Your account is at risk!") to prompt quick, unthinking clicks.

Appeal to Authority: Using logos or names of well-known companies to gain trust.

Too Good to Be True: Offering deals or downloads that seem too attractive, leveraging human greed or need for convenience.

Consequences

• Financial loss from fraudulent transactions.
• Identity theft from stolen personal information.
• Compromised devices due to malware infection.
• Loss of sensitive data if phishing attempts are successful.

Prevention Tips

Be Cautious of Sponsored Links: Always look for the "Sponsored" label. Research and real-world examples suggest that many sponsored links can be scams.

Check the URL: Before clicking, hover over the link to see the actual destination URL. If it's not exactly what you expect or seems off, avoid it.

Use Bookmarks or Direct Entry: Instead of clicking through search results, bookmark trusted sites or type URLs directly into the browser.

Ad Blockers: Consider using ad blockers or extensions that highlight or block suspicious ads.

Antivirus and Security Software: Keep your systems protected with up-to-date antivirus software to mitigate risks from malware.

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams through resources or posts on social media platforms, where users share real-time scam experiences.

In essence, sponsored search link scams exploit the trust users place in the top results of search engines, using misleading advertising to lure in unsuspecting victims. Remember, in the vast universe of the internet, where every click could potentially lead to a galaxy of trouble, a bit of skepticism is your best interstellar travel companion.