Google is urging users to be cautious this month due to a rise in sophisticated online scams, including those powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These scams target job seekers, small businesses, and holiday shoppers.
Watch out for these threats:
Fake job postings: Scammers impersonate real employers and demand upfront fees. Only apply through verified company websites.
AI impersonation scams: Fake “free” versions of tools or apps install malware or steal credentials. Download only from official app stores or domains.
Malicious VPN apps: Disguised as trusted brands, these apps spread on social media and third-party sites, often requesting excessive permissions or delivering spyware.
Fraud recovery scams: Scammers pose as investigators or government agencies, promising to recover stolen funds for an upfront fee. Legitimate entities never charge to start a case.
Holiday shopping scams: Fake storefronts and phishing texts are on the rise. Be wary of “too good to be true” deals and unexpected delivery notices.
Stay safe online by being vigilant and only interacting with trusted sources.
Source: https://mashable.com/article/google-warns-major-online-scams-ahead-of-holidays