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Google Announces New Policy Recommendations for Fighting Scams and Fraud Did you know that in 2023 alone, Google blocked or removed more than 5.5 billion advertisements for violating their policies? Online scams and fraud are a major problem, but no single organization can fight them alone. In this article, Google shares new policy recommendations and a call to action for how governments, providers like Google, and affected industries can collaborate to fight this threat. They discuss their approach to tackling the challenge, which includes using the latest AI technology and collaboration with others. Google is also committed to sharing information about scams and fraud. In October, they announced a global partnership creating a platform for sharing information about scams and fraud. Google also published their first Scams Advisory to highlight the most recent online fraud and scams trends and tactics. This is a great step forward in the fight against online scams and fraud. Let's all work together to make the internet a safer place. #onlinesafety #fraudprevention #collaboration

Scams have been increasing in volume and complexity. They are often carried out by transnational crime organizations: bad actors who operate at scale, constantly adapt their methods, and combine online and offline activity to lure people into their fraudulent schemes. Our Trust & Safety (T&S) teams at Google are responsible for tracking and fighting scams, and sharing our observations and the information we glean with others — to protect the public and broader digital ecosystem. To raise awareness about the risks, and to share the latest tactics used by scammers and criminals, we’re launching a regular online fraud and scams advisory. To start, here are five recent scam trends:

Scammers are getting smarter, and Google just uncovered some scary new tactics they're using. One of the biggest threats? Landing page cloaking, where fraudsters create fake websites that look like legitimate ones to trick users into buying counterfeit products or sharing sensitive info. Google also highlighted a rise in AI-driven scams, like deepfakes used for fake investment schemes and cloned websites designed to steal data or install malware. These scams are getting harder to spot, and the people behind them are using advanced tools to make their attacks even more convincing. In response, Google is ramping up efforts to fight back by blocking billions of ads, suing bad actors, and rolling out new features like scam detection on Android phones. As scammers get smarter, it’s important to stay alert and aware of these risks. https://lnkd.in/e2j2_mEm

Good summary of SMS threats and rules to avoid becoming a victim - worth communicating to friends and family as it will only get worse…

Scammers are increasingly impersonating tech support and online retailers, with the FTC reporting 52,000 instances of fake Geek Squad tech support scams in 2023. Impersonation scams, which also included brands like Amazon and Microsoft, led to significant consumer losses. These scams use tactics like phony emails, fake security alerts, and bogus giveaways to deceive victims. The FTC's new rule aims to combat these frauds more effectively, allowing the agency to take stronger actions against scammers. For more details, visit the full article. https://buff.ly/4bWXP8F

#DataBreach #Alert According to The Cyber Express, the ‘Hawk Eye’ Telangana Police crime reporting app has been hit by a massive #databreach. The report claimed the #HawkEye app data breach emerged on May 29 on the data leak site #BreachForums. It is assumed that the #app was hacked in #May. The app has been popular among #citizens and has 500k+ downloads with a 4.4 rating on the Google Play Store. The stolen #database contains personally identifiable information such as users' names, #email addresses, #phone numbers, physical #addresses, #IMEI numbers, and #GPS coordinates. The database also contains 20,000 #travel detail records, 70,000 incident reports, and 130,000 #SOS records. According to the report, the app has not been updated for the last two years. Additional Director General of Police (Technical Services) VV Srinivasa Rao of the #Telangana Police shared that developers have been given the task of upgrading Hawk-Eye and that it should be available for the latest Android versions shortly. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/dragQGvy #SFLCin #India #PrivacyMatters #DataPrivacy #Citizen #TelanganaAlert #Police #tech #alert

Do you know what Quishing means? If you caught our very own Nick on ITV West Country recently, you’ll know that we contributed to a segment on this concerning tactic where scammers use fake QR codes to steal your personal information. Here’s a quick breakdown: 🔸 Why are we suddenly seeing so many QR code scams? The use of QR codes surged during the COVID-19 lockdowns, popping up everywhere from car parks and restaurant tables to health services. Creating a QR code is straightforward - you just need an online platform or app and a printer. 🔸 How do these QR code scams work? QR code scams are essentially man-in-the-middle attacks. Scammers impersonate legitimate organisations by covering genuine QR codes with malicious ones, redirecting users to fake websites. These fraudulent sites mimic legitimate ones, tricking users into entering personal information. For instance, a recent post in a local Facebook community warned about a scam at a popular car park. A user scanned a QR code for payment, which seemed to fail. Later, they were notified that their card had been added to Apple Pay in Norway. 🔸 How can you spot one of these QR scams? These scams often involve placing a fake QR code sticker over the real one. If you notice a sticker covering the original QR code, avoid it. Report it to the local police and notify the owner of the original code. Quishing might sound like just another tech term but it’s something we all need to be aware of! Do you know someone who loves using QR Codes? Tag them so they’re in the know!

To prevent from unauthorized access to your accounts and applications, please DO NOT share your account and sensitive information or install unknown applications on your phone. The scammers often impersonate employees to trick you into clicking links or installing apps, gaining control of your phone for unauthorized transactions. Stay vigilant and follow safety tips to prevent yourself from fraud. 👉 Please find these tips at the following link: https://lnkd.in/gSEkG8ty #ACLEDAinfo #SecurityTips

Fraudsters can access your device’s microphone and camera with malicious apps. Even when your phone is not in use. Join Ms.Sneha Katkar as she explains how to stop this from happening. AntiFraud.AI’s Unauthorised Access Alert feature helps prevent potential threats. It scans your device and alerts you of fraudulent apps accessing your personal information without your permission. AntiFraud.Ai – Ab Koi Fraud Nahi! Defend your privacy with the link – https://lnkd.in/guuqVmFp

Stay Alert: Beware of fraudsters sending SMS related to 5G upgrade / SIM block / suspension / Pending KYC or Document verification. DO NOT CALL BACK as they may ask you to download Apps to access your mobile phone and may get confidential information including OTP. DO NOT RESPOND to SMS from unknown numbers, asking for such information other than from your Service Provider's official SMS ID. DO NOT CLICK on unknown links received through social media or private messaging apps. Avoid falling victim to such frauds, block these numbers and report to https://cybercrime.gov.in