Google has released a new global advisory revealing a sharp rise in complex online scams that increasingly rely on artificial intelligence to scale their operations. The company’s Trust and Safety teams have mapped six fast-spreading schemes now exploiting users across Gmail, Google Play, and Messages, marking a shift in how digital fraud evolves with new technology.
Recent data from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance underscores the urgency: more than half of adults worldwide, about 57%, encountered at least one scam in the past year, and nearly a quarter reported losing money. Google analysts note that criminal groups have begun to automate deception using generative models and deepfake-style content to impersonate brands, recruit victims, and steal credentials with remarkable precision.
One of the most active categories involves fake job offers. Scammers create detailed replicas of corporate hiring portals, publish false recruiter profiles, and push phishing links through email ads or social channels. Victims are asked to pay small registration or processing fees or download so-called interview software that hides remote-access malware. Beyond money loss, these scams can lead to identity theft or infiltration of employer networks. Google’s anti-fraud systems now block such impersonation campaigns in Gmail and Messages while reinforcing protections around sign-in verification and scam detection.
Another fast-growing tactic is negative-review extortion. Fraudsters organize mass “review bombing” attacks on business listings, then contact the owners through external messaging platforms, demanding payment to stop the harassment. Google Maps’ enforcement tools now allow merchants to report such activity directly so the company can act faster to remove fake reviews and identify the extortion networks behind them.
AI product impersonation has also become a profitable scam format. Cybercriminals are building fake mobile and browser apps disguised as AI tools that promise free access to premium features or early releases. Once installed, they steal passwords, drain digital wallets, or inject malicious code into the user’s system. Many of these operations rely on malvertising and hijacked social media accounts to spread. Google Play and Chrome have stepped up AI-based scanning to remove these clones and warn users before downloads occur.
Other schemes target users searching for privacy solutions. Fake VPN apps and browser extensions circulate on unverified websites and third-party app stores, often mimicking known security brands. Instead of encryption, they deliver spyware or banking trojans that quietly siphon data from devices. Google Play Protect and Chrome’s Safe Browsing tools have added extra checks to detect harmful permissions and block suspicious installations before they launch.
A newer wave of deception is hitting those who have already been scammed. Fraud recovery operations promise to retrieve lost funds but charge upfront fees, pretending to be legal firms, government agencies, or blockchain experts. Many use AI to generate convincing documents and fake identities. Victims, already in distress, lose more money and risk further data theft. Google has expanded scam warnings inside its phone and messaging systems to prevent users from re-engaging with fraudulent contacts.
The approach intensifies during shopping peaks. Seasonal holiday scams surge near Black Friday and Cyber Monday, using counterfeit storefronts, false discount ads, and fake delivery notifications to capture payment information. Google has added fresh filters against counterfeit listings and phishing campaigns that hijack well-known brand names. Enhanced browser protection on newer Pixel devices now provides local AI-based screening against these seasonal traps.
Across all categories, Google urges users to double-check URLs, avoid sideloading unknown software, and treat “too-good-to-be-true” deals or unsolicited recovery offers with suspicion. With the rising use of AI by criminals, staying alert and informed is becoming as essential as the technology that powers online life itself.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World
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