Even as more people wise up to scams, the fraudsters aren’t slowing down — they’re just getting smarter. Global crime syndicates are adapting fast, and the numbers don’t lie. In 2024, scammers worldwide stole a jaw-dropping $1 trillion, according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. In the U.S. alone, the FTC reported a 25% spike in fraud losses year-over-year.
Let’s be clear: when people don’t know the playbook, scammers run the field.
At Google, our teams are on the frontlines — tracking threats, cutting them off at the source, and keeping you in the loop with the latest scam tactics. Here's what we’re seeing right now:
1.
Fake Customer Support Is Getting Smarter
Fraudsters pretending to be customer service reps is nothing new — but they’ve leveled up. Now they manipulate web results, insert fake phone numbers, and prey on people in distress.
They impersonate trusted brands, hoping you'll let your guard down. Google blocks third-party tech support ads and highlights official support info in Search. And Chrome now uses Gemini Nano, an AI-powered watchdog, to flag shady sites in real-time.
2.
Malvertising — hiding malware behind online ads — isn’t just aimed at people downloading dodgy software anymore. Scammers are now targeting power users: crypto holders, influencers, and those with digital assets worth stealing.
They’ll make their downloads look legit, even pushing you to disable your antivirus. Don’t fall for it.
Google uses a blend of AI and human reviewers to hunt and kill these malicious ad campaigns. Offenders get booted instantly, and we throttle visibility for sketchy advertisers until they earn our trust.
3.
As holiday season kicks off, bogus travel sites are on the rise. They dangle irresistible deals, clone real hotels, and trick people into booking through messaging apps or phone calls.
Too good to be true? It is.
Google bans ads that lie, impersonate legit companies, or play bait-and-switch games. We actively suspend violators and monitor closely during peak travel times.
4.
Online shopping boom = scammer goldmine. You get a message saying your delivery needs extra payment? It's likely a scam.
They spoof real courier brands and change their tactics on the fly, often using "phishing kits" like Darcula and Xiu Gou to spin up believable fakes in seconds.
Google Messages’ Scam Detection feature flags shady SMS, MMS, and RCS messages. AI catches the red flags and alerts you before you click. You can report, block, or just bounce.
5.
With cashless tolls becoming the norm, scammers are now texting users fake unpaid toll notices. These often mimic real road agencies — even in places with no toll roads.
They “follow the sun,” cycling scams across time zones globally. Some users report getting hit with toll notices from states they’ve never even visited.
To counter this, Google Messages now includes real-time detection and warnings for toll and billing fee scams, helping users dodge these fake fines.
Scammers adapt fast. But we adapt faster. As these threats evolve, so does our tech — and our commitment to keeping you informed, protected, and one step ahead.
Heads up. Shields up. Share this advisory.
Let’s be clear: when people don’t know the playbook, scammers run the field.
At Google, our teams are on the frontlines — tracking threats, cutting them off at the source, and keeping you in the loop with the latest scam tactics. Here's what we’re seeing right now:
1.
Fake Customer Support Is Getting SmarterFraudsters pretending to be customer service reps is nothing new — but they’ve leveled up. Now they manipulate web results, insert fake phone numbers, and prey on people in distress.
They impersonate trusted brands, hoping you'll let your guard down. Google blocks third-party tech support ads and highlights official support info in Search. And Chrome now uses Gemini Nano, an AI-powered watchdog, to flag shady sites in real-time.
2. 
Malvertising Targets Tech-Savvy Users
Malvertising — hiding malware behind online ads — isn’t just aimed at people downloading dodgy software anymore. Scammers are now targeting power users: crypto holders, influencers, and those with digital assets worth stealing.
They’ll make their downloads look legit, even pushing you to disable your antivirus. Don’t fall for it.
Google uses a blend of AI and human reviewers to hunt and kill these malicious ad campaigns. Offenders get booted instantly, and we throttle visibility for sketchy advertisers until they earn our trust.
3. 
Fake Travel Deals = Real Headaches
As holiday season kicks off, bogus travel sites are on the rise. They dangle irresistible deals, clone real hotels, and trick people into booking through messaging apps or phone calls.
Too good to be true? It is.
Google bans ads that lie, impersonate legit companies, or play bait-and-switch games. We actively suspend violators and monitor closely during peak travel times.
4. 
Package Tracking Scams Keep Evolving
Online shopping boom = scammer goldmine. You get a message saying your delivery needs extra payment? It's likely a scam.
They spoof real courier brands and change their tactics on the fly, often using "phishing kits" like Darcula and Xiu Gou to spin up believable fakes in seconds.
Google Messages’ Scam Detection feature flags shady SMS, MMS, and RCS messages. AI catches the red flags and alerts you before you click. You can report, block, or just bounce.
5. 
Toll Road Scams Are the New Click Trap
With cashless tolls becoming the norm, scammers are now texting users fake unpaid toll notices. These often mimic real road agencies — even in places with no toll roads.
They “follow the sun,” cycling scams across time zones globally. Some users report getting hit with toll notices from states they’ve never even visited.
To counter this, Google Messages now includes real-time detection and warnings for toll and billing fee scams, helping users dodge these fake fines.
Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Scammers adapt fast. But we adapt faster. As these threats evolve, so does our tech — and our commitment to keeping you informed, protected, and one step ahead.Heads up. Shields up. Share this advisory.