Google ads spread fake support scam that locked Windows and Mac screens
People who call the displayed support number may be pressured to pay, grant remote access or share personal information.
Researchers found Google ads distributing a tech-support scam that locked Windows and Mac screens and directed viewers to fake support lines. The ads appeared on legitimate, popular websites covering maps, weather, real estate, document hosting and sports; people who called were pressured to pay, permit remote access or disclose personal information. Between August 31 and September 14, Netskope recorded clicks from users at 619 customer organizations, but blocked the content before those users were scammed. About 62 percent of the organizations were in the US, followed by Japan and Australia; Netskope said its limited view of internet activity means the actual number of people exposed, including victims, is likely higher. The firm identified more than 250 Google Ads campaign IDs on at least 284 legitimate publisher sites.
Why it matters
People visiting legitimate, high-traffic sites can encounter the scam without having sought technical help. The frozen screen is only the opening step: calling can bring pressure to pay, hand over device access or share personal information.
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