Online search results: The good, the bad, and the scammy

Online search results can offer significant benefits to consumers, helping people find what they’re looking for. But online search results are also used by scammers to steer you in the wrong direction.

In fact, scammers sometimes use paid search results to trick you. They might use another company’s name, include the name of a government service, or use misleading tag lines to make you think you’re dealing with someone else. They might even put their number alongside a trusted company’s name or link to a website that looks official to steer you away from the business or government agency you were looking for. Their goal is to get your money or your personal or financial information to steal your identity.

Here’s how to avoid a search result scam:

• Know that the first search results you see might be paid ads. They show up based on what you search and may or may not be what you’re looking for.
• Don't assume the phone number that comes up in search is legit. You could be calling a scammer or dishonest business who doesn’t want you to know you’re in the wrong place. To make sure you’re dealing with who you think you are, scroll to the unpaid search results to make sure you have the right website or contact info for a business or government agency.   
• Type a company’s website address directly into your browser if you know it. If you’re paying a bill, type in the address or call the number from your bill directly.

Learn more about impersonator scams at ftc.gov/impersonators. If you spot an impersonator scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

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