The Washington Post recently published a well-researched article called, “Don’t trust Google for customer service numbers. It might be a scam.” Here is a summary of the key points.
The article discusses the growing problem of scammers targeting Google search results to trick people into calling fake customer service phone numbers. These scams often involve posing as major tech companies like Google, Apple or Microsoft and offering technical support or claiming the user’s computer is infected with a virus.
When people call the numbers, they are connected with scammers who try to extract personal information or payment from the victims. The article notes that these types of scams have become increasingly common in recent years as scammers have gotten better at manipulating Google’s search algorithms to push their fake listings higher in search results.
Google and other tech companies are taking steps to try to combat the problem, such as banning certain types of ads and working with law enforcement. However, the article highlights how difficult it is to fully prevent these scams, as the scammers are continually finding new tactics to evade the tech companies’ defenses.
The article advises consumers to be very cautious about calling any customer service numbers found through Google searches, and instead to only use official phone numbers provided on the companies’ own websites. It emphasizes the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any tech support calls before providing any personal or financial information.
So, as always, the Digital Docs say, until next time, “stay safe out there”!
Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
