Key facts
- Google ads were found to be delivering scareware that freezes Windows and Mac devices.
- The scareware displays fake security warnings and instructs users to call a bogus call center.
- Netskope observed over 600 organizations click on these malicious ads from August 31 to September 14.
- The ads appeared on various high-traffic websites, including maps, weather, and sports sites.
- Users who called the bogus number were urged to pay fees, grant remote access, or share personal information.
- Netskope blocked the malicious ads, preventing users from being scammed.
Researchers have identified Google ads that deliver a sophisticated tech support scam, freezing users' screens with urgent fake security warnings and directing them to call a bogus call center. The malicious ads were displayed across a wide range of websites, including popular map, weather, and sports sites. Security firm Netskope observed the ads from August 31 to September 14, noting that users from 619 customer organizations clicked on them. However, Netskope's intervention prevented any actual scams from occurring. The firm tracked over 250 Google Ads campaign IDs across at least 284 legitimate publisher sites. The ads employed deceptive tactics to make it appear as though the computer was locked, pressuring users to contact the fraudulent support number. While many users may ridicule those who fall for such scams, the researchers noted that a significant portion of internet users lack the technical understanding to identify these threats, making them prime targets.