Google Ads caught delivering convincing scareware to users

Netskope found Google Ads running a tech-support scam that froze Windows and macOS screens and urged users to call a fake call center. From August 31 to September 14, users at 619 organizations clicked the malicious ads, 62% of them in the US; over 250 campaign IDs across 284 legitimate sites were tracked.

• Netskope saw clicks on the malicious ads at 619 organizations
• 62% of affected organizations were in the US, followed by Japan and Australia
• More than 250 Google Ads campaign IDs across 284 legitimate sites were tracked
• The kit disables exit keys and mimics signs of a real infection