Fake "locked computer" alerts in Google Ads push users to call tech-support scammers

Netskope uncovered a malicious Google Ads campaign that opened full-screen fake security warnings on legitimate sites, telling Windows and macOS users their devices were locked and urging them to call a fraudulent support number. Users at 619 organizations clicked the ads between August 31 and September 14, with 62% of affected organizations in the US; researchers found over 250 campaign IDs and ads on at least 284 publisher sites.

• Users at 619 organizations clicked the fake ads between August 31 and September 14
• About 62% of affected organizations were in the US, followed by Japan and Australia
• More than 250 Google Ads campaign IDs and ads on 284 legitimate sites were found
• The page hides the address bar and cursor, blocks Escape and slows the browser