FBI Warns Bergen County Residents on Fake Ad Risks

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crime Complaint Center issued a warning on Saturday about a new scam tactic that targets residents who use online search engines.

Criminals purchase search advertisements that copy the names and logos of well-known companies. These ads appear at the top of search results, making them look like the official choice for users seeking a specific business.

When users click these sponsored links, they land on websites that closely resemble the genuine sites. The fake pages are designed to capture passwords and financial information. The FBI stated that this method gives criminals direct access to victims' accounts.

The tactic relies on the habit of clicking the first result without verifying the destination. A familiar brand name or logo does not guarantee the website is authentic. Scammers often use web addresses with minor spelling errors or misplaced letters to deceive users.

The FBI advises checking the web address carefully before entering any information. Users should look for domains that differ from the company's verified address. The agency also noted that a sense of urgency is a common warning sign. Pages that claim an account needs immediate attention often try to rush users into providing data before they can verify the request.

The Federal Trade Commission added that payment methods can reveal a scam. Sellers who insist on bank transfers, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or gift cards are often fraudulent. For sensitive accounts like banking, the FBI recommends typing the website address directly into the browser or using a previously created bookmark.

Residents should keep multifactor authentication enabled to add a layer of protection. However, the FBI warned that this does not make a fake login page safe. Criminals may pose as bank employees or technical support staff to obtain one-time security codes. If something seems wrong, contact the company through independently verified contact information.

To report a suspicious Google advertisement, users can open the ad's menu, select the report option, and complete the provided form. If credentials were entered on a fraudulent site, reset the affected passwords immediately. Contact your bank if financial accounts may be compromised and report the incident through the FTC's fraud-reporting website.