If only scammers were as committed to their gym memberships as they are to tricking people through ads—we’d have a much healthier internet.
In this publication, we're diving into the deceptive world of scam ads, AI deepfakes, and impersonation fraud, and how Google is waging war against these threats before they reach your screen.
Online scammers are getting smarter—and faster—with their tricks.
In 2024 alone, Google suspended over 39.2 million advertiser accounts and blocked 5.1 billion bad ads, many of them tied to scams, fake businesses, and impersonation fraud using AI-generated deepfakes.
How It Works:
Scam ads often sneak into your browser while you’re searching for something innocent—like tech support, a new app, or even government services. Here’s the blueprint:
- Fake Setup: A scammer sets up a fraudulent ad campaign mimicking a real brand or service.
- Attractive Offer: The ad leads to a well-crafted fake website or landing page.
- The Hook: You’re prompted to enter personal details, download malware, or make a payment.
- The Damage: Your data is stolen, accounts are compromised, or money vanishes into the scammer’s pocket.
With AI in the mix, scammers are also generating deepfake videos of public figures to push phony investments or products.
Who’s Being Targeted:
- Everyday users searching Google for help or services
- Small business owners trying to advertise online
- Elderly individuals less familiar with ad fraud
- Voters, through manipulated political ads
Basically, if you use the internet, you’re in the danger zone.
Real-Life Example:
Google flagged over 700,000 accounts for using AI-generated deepfakes in 2024, many impersonating celebrities or politicians to push fraudulent ads. In one case, a deepfake of a well-known tech CEO was used to promote a fake crypto investment scheme—costing victims millions before it was taken down.
“The ad safety landscape is constantly changing... demanding continuous agility from our industry,” said Google in a statement.
Why You Should Care:
Even if Google blocks billions of scam ads, some still slip through. Clicking just one malicious ad could expose you to:
- Financial theft
- Identity fraud
- Device malware
- Phishing traps disguised as real services
Plus, if you're running ads, violating policies—intentionally or not—could lead to account suspension.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Don’t click on ads that feel too good to be true—especially for financial services or “celebrity-backed” investments.
- Double-check URLs before entering sensitive data. Look for subtle spelling errors or strange domains.
- Use ad blockers and antivirus software to prevent exposure to harmful ads.
- Report suspicious ads directly through Google or your browser.
- Stay up to date on scam trends. Scammers evolve fast—so should your defenses.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: Did you know? Scammers now use AI to create near-perfect fake websites that mimic real brands—down to the logo and layout.
Pro Tip: Always type a company’s website directly into your browser instead of clicking on an ad link—especially for banks, government, or health services.
Update: Google expanded its Advertiser Identity Verification to 200+ countries, requiring proof of legitimacy before running ads—part of its push to stop scams before they begin.
📊 By the Numbers (2024):
- 39.2M advertiser accounts suspended
- 5.1B bad ads blocked
- 700K accounts using AI deepfakes removed
- 10.7M election ads from unverified sources taken down
- 5M+ scam-related accounts suspended
Stay safe, stay informed,
Keywords Defined:
- Malvertising: Malicious advertising designed to spread malware or redirect users to scam sites.
- Deepfake: AI-generated video or audio that mimics real people—often used in fraud.
- Phishing: A scam tactic where fake messages trick users into sharing sensitive info.
- Advertiser Identity Verification: A Google program requiring advertisers to verify who they are.
- Impersonation Scam: A fraud that involves pretending to be a known figure or business.
To read more, kindly find source article here