Google Ads Hijacked by Sophisticated Tech Support Scam
A sophisticated tech support scam has been discovered using Google ads to trick Windows and Mac users into believing their devices are frozen.
The scam, which was uncovered by researchers, displays urgent messages instructing users to contact a fraudulent call center. These fake ads appeared on various high-traffic websites, including maps, weather, and real estate sites.
When clicked, the ads present a full-screen message designed to mimic a system freeze, disabling common exit keys and slowing browser performance to create a sense of urgency. Victims are then pressured to pay fees, grant remote access, or reveal personal information.
Netskope observed over 600 customer organizations exposed to these ads between August 31 and September 14, with approximately 62% of affected organizations located in the US. The scam's stealthy design allowed it to evade detection by some security software and potentially Google's ad filters.