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What is a Confusing Search Scam?

A Confusing Search Scam is an online fraud tactic where scammers manipulate search engine results to display misleading or harmful websites as legitimat answers to common queries. These websites often appear at the top of search results and mimic the look of trusted sites or services. They may offer fake tech support, phony security warnings, or fraudulent services, tricking users into sharing personal information, downloading malware, or paying for non-existent support.

Variations of Confusing Search Scams

Here are some common variations:

  • Fake Tech Support Websites: These sites claim your computer is infected or has errors and prompt you to contact fake tech support.
  • Phishing Pages: These pages look like login screens or customer service forms but are designed to steal your personal information, such as passwords or credit card details.
  • Scareware Alerts: Pop-up messages or warnings that claim your device is compromised and encourage you to download rogue software.
  • Fake Product or Service Listings: Scammers create fake listings for services or products (like antivirus software) that don’t exist, tricking you into paying for them.
  • Redirect Ads: Clicking on legitimate-looking search results that redirect you to malicious or inappropriate websites.

How to Identify a Confusing Search Scam Website

  • Unfamiliar URLs: The website address may be slightly altered versions of well-known domains, such as "g00gle.com" instead of "google.com".
  • Alarming Pop-ups or Warnings: Immediate pop-ups warning of security threats or prompting immediate action are common scam tactics.
  • Request for Sensitive Information: Legitimate websites usually don’t ask for personal details like credit card numbers or passwords through pop-ups.
  • Poor Website Design or Grammar: If the website looks poorly designed or contains many spelling and grammatical errors, it’s likely a scam.
  • Unsolicited Downloads: The site may automatically attempt to download software or direct you to install unknown programs.

Why Am I Seeing a Confusing Search Scam?

  • Clicking on Sponsored Links: Scammers can pay to promote their fraudulent sites via search engines.
  • Keyword Manipulation: Scammers use SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tricks to make their sites appear higher in search rankings for popular queries.
  • Infected or Compromised Browser: Some malware or browser hijackers forcefully redirect you to scam websites.

What to Do If You Clicked on a Confusing Search Scam Website

  • Exit the Website Immediately: Close the tab or window if you notice any suspicious activity.
  • Do Not Enter Personal Information: If the site asks for any sensitive information like passwords or credit card details, do not provide them.
  • Clear Your Browser Data:
    • Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Clear data.
    • Safari: Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data, then click Remove All.
  • Run a Security Scan: Use Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security or Trend Micro Maximum Security to scan your device for any malware or spyware that may have been installed.
  • Check for Unwanted Extensions:
    • Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Extensions and remove any unknown or suspicious extensions.
    • Safari: Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions and remove any unrecognized add-ons.

What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to a Confusing Search Scam

  • Disconnect Your Device from the Internet: Disconnect from Wi-Fi or turn on Airplane Mode to stop any malicious activity.
  • Run a Full Security Scan with Trend Micro: Use Trend Micro’s Antivirus to detect and remove any malware or spyware that might have infected your device.
  • Change Your Passwords:
    • Change the passwords for all accounts you think may have been compromised.
    • Ensure you create strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager.
  • Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. If you see any suspicious charges, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
  • Report the Scam to Authorities:
Visit the Cybersecurity Learning Center!

GUARD YOURSELF AGAINST SCAMS!

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How to Protect Yourself from Confusing Search Scams

  • Use Reliable Security Software: Install Trend Micro Security to protect your device from malicious software and phishing attacks.
  • Avoid Suspicious Websites: Be cautious when visiting unfamiliar or untrusted websites, especially if they bombard you with pop-ups.
  • Use Trend Micro’s Browser Extension: The Trend Micro Toolbar provides real-time web protection by identifying and blocking malicious websites, reducing your risk of encountering fake pop-ups.
  • Enable Pop-up Blockers: Make sure your browser’s pop-up blocker is enabled to reduce the chances of encountering these ads.
    • Google Chrome (Windows/Mac):
      1. Open Chrome: Launch your Chrome browser.
      2. Click the Three Dots (Menu): Located in the top-right corner.
      3. Go to Settings: Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
      4. Select Privacy and Security: In the left-hand menu.
      5. Click Site Settings: Under the Privacy and security section.
      6. Scroll to Pop-ups and redirects: Click on it.
      7. Block Pop-ups: Make sure the toggle next to Blocked (recommended) is turned on.
    • Microsoft Edge (Windows/Mac):
      1. Open Edge: Launch the Edge browser.
      2. Click the Three Dots (Menu): In the top-right corner.
      3. Go to Settings: From the dropdown menu.
      4. Select Cookies and Site Permissions: From the left-hand menu.
      5. Scroll to Pop-ups and redirects: Click on it.
      6. Block Pop-ups: Make sure the toggle next to Block (recommended) is turned on.
    • Mozilla Firefox (Windows/Mac):
      1. Open Firefox: Launch the Firefox browser.
      2. Click the Three Lines (Menu): In the top-right corner.
      3. Go to Settings: From the dropdown menu.
      4. Select Privacy & Security: In the left-hand menu.
      5. Scroll to Permissions: Look for the Block pop-up windows option.
      6. Check the Box: Make sure the box next to Block pop-up windows is checked.
    • Safari (Mac):
      1. Open Safari: Launch the Safari browser.
      2. Click Safari in the Menu Bar: At the top of your screen.
      3. Go to Preferences: From the dropdown.
      4. Select the Websites Tab: In the Preferences window.
      5. Go to Pop-up Windows: In the left-hand column.
      6. Block Pop-ups: Set the option for each website to Block and Notify, or block pop-ups entirely from unwanted sites.
    • Google Chrome (Android):
      1. Open Chrome: Launch the Chrome app on your Android device.
      2. Tap the Three Dots (Menu): In the top-right corner.
      3. Go to Settings: From the dropdown.
      4. Select Site Settings: Scroll down to find it.
      5. Tap Pop-ups and redirects: Ensure that it is set to Blocked.
    • Safari (iPhone/iPad):
      1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
      2. Scroll Down to Safari: Tap on Safari.
      3. Enable Pop-up Blocker: Toggle the switch next to Block Pop-ups to the on position.
Keywords: Confusing Search Scam, Fake Tech Support, Phishing Pages, Scareware Alerts, Trend Micro, Scam Protection
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