Malvertising / Fake Search-Ad Support Numbers
Scammers buy search ads and place fake 'official' phone numbers so that when you search for support, you reach them instead of the real company.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
When you search for a company's customer-service or support number (tech, airline, bank, crypto), scammers who've bought ads or gamed results appear at the top with a fake 'official' number. Call it and you reach a scam 'agent' who seeks remote access, card details, gift cards, or your login. Malvertising can also serve fake download/pop-up 'support' prompts. The number or download looked legitimate because it topped your search. Getting contact info from the company's own website (not an ad) avoids it.
What it usually looks like
- A top search ad/result with a support number.
- A pop-up offering 'support' or a download.
- An 'agent' who wants remote access, gift cards, or your login.
- A number/site that isn't the company's real one.
Common warning signs
- Support numbers from ads/search rather than the official site.
- Agents asking for remote access, gift cards, or logins.
- Pop-ups pushing 'support' or downloads.
- Pressure and scare tactics.
Example wording scammers use
“Official [Company] Support — Call Now! (sponsored ad with a fake number).”
“(Agent) 'Let me remote in to fix your account — and grab some gift cards for the fee.'”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Remote access, gift cards, card details, or logins.
- To intercept your search for help.
- To exploit trust in top results.
What to do
- Get support contacts from the company's official website (type it yourself), not from ads.
- Never grant remote access or pay with gift cards for 'support.'
- Close pop-ups; don't call numbers they display.
- Use an ad/pop-up blocker and report fake ads.
What to do if you already responded
- Disconnect, remove any remote-access tool, and scan your device; change key passwords.
- Contact your bank/gift-card issuer if you paid.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.