If you’ve ever typed “Amazon customer service” or “Apple support number” into Google, you may be closer to a scam than you think. Increasingly, cybercriminals are using search engine ads and lookalike websites to pose as legitimate tech support for major brands. These scams often begin with a simple search and end in stolen data, drained bank accounts, or compromised devices.

This tactic doesn’t rely on phishing emails or robocalls and the scammers do not even need to seek out victims. This method brings victims right to them. It takes advantage of how people naturally seek help: by Googling it.

The Rise of Fake Tech Support via Google Ads

Scammers buy Google ads that appear above organic search results. These ads often mimic official tech support sites in both appearance and language. A quick search for help with an Amazon return or a Microsoft login issue might lead a user to click on an ad that appears safe but is actually operated by a scammer.

In many cases, the fake site offers a toll-free phone number. When someone calls, they’re greeted by someone claiming to represent a well-known company. The scammer may then ask for remote access to the person’s computer, request personal details, or push them to make a payment to “fix” a fabricated problem.

It’s an especially effective tactic against older adults, but anyone in a rush or dealing with tech frustration is vulnerable.

How Fake Support Sites Look Legitimate

Scammers often create websites that look eerily similar to the real thing. They may use the company’s logo, colors, and even copy chunks of official language from the real website. Because they’re paying for ads, these sites show up first, before the real support page.

Here’s how they do it:

• They buy Google ads with search keywords like “Amazon help,” “Apple support phone number,” or “Microsoft tech issue.”
   
• They design the landing page to mirror the brand’s style.
   
• They push urgency: call now, fix the issue, or prevent being locked out.
   
• They often include fake customer testimonials or “verified support agent” badges that look convincing at a glance.
  
   

What to Watch For

There are several warning signs that a website or phone number might not be what it claims to be. Knowing what to look for is the first step toward staying safe.

Check the web address: Real company support pages typically use domains like amazon.com/help or support.apple.com. Fake sites often use slight misspellings or unfamiliar domain endings like .co, .support, or .live.

Avoid clicking on “Sponsored” search results: Google ads are labeled as “Sponsored.” These are paid placements and don’t guarantee legitimacy. Scroll past them to reach the actual company website.

Be skeptical of any site that pushes you to call: Most legitimate tech companies do not encourage phone support as the first step. They usually guide users through online help articles or chatbots first.

Never allow remote access unless you initiated the support request: A legitimate company will not contact you out of the blue or ask you to download remote access tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer unless you started the process through their verified site.

Safer Alternatives to Google for Tech Support

While it’s second nature to Google for help, it’s safer to go directly to the source. Here are better ways to get real support:

• Type the website address manually. For example, go directly to www.apple.com or www.amazon.com and find the support page from the main menu.
   
• Use bookmarked official sites.
   
• For Microsoft support, type support.microsoft.com into your browser rather than using a search engine.
   
• Use the customer service info found on the back of your product, your billing statement, or official emails.
   
• If you do use Google, scroll down past the ads and double-check the URL before clicking anything.
   
• If you have the company app, use that to look up support numbers.
   

Tech support scams have evolved. They no longer rely solely on scare tactics or cold calls. Instead, they leverage search habits and advertising platforms to reach unsuspecting users often through trusted channels like Google. They may also troll social media to find users complaining about an issue and contact them directly.

Staying safe means being cautious, deliberate, and informed. If you’re ever unsure whether a site is legitimate, take a step back, breathe, ask a friend, and find an alternate route to the help you need.

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