How To Protect Yourself from Fake URL and Ad Scams

What Are Fake URL and Ad Scams? 

Fake URL and ad scams are cybercriminal tactics that exploit Google Ads and deceptive web addresses (URLs) to impersonate trusted brands. Victims are tricked into visiting malicious sites or calling fraudulent phone numbers, often believing they are contacting official support for companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, PayPal, and Bank of America.  

Scammers use cybersquatting (registering look-alike domains), typosquatting (using misspelled domains), and malvertising (placing malicious ads) to trick users into visiting fake websites and clicking harmful links by creating deceptive URLs and malicious advertisements. These scams steal personal details, cause financial loss, and spread malware. Staying safe requires checking website addresses carefully, avoiding suspicious ads, and relying on trusted links or bookmarks. 

What is Cybersquatting? 

Cybersquatting refers to the practice of registering a domain name that is confusingly similar to a legitimate one. For example, a cybersquatted domain might be companyname.com, while the actual company uses company-name.com. The intent behind cybersquatting can include financial gain, phishing scams, generating ad revenue, or damaging a brand’s reputation.

What is Typosquatting? 

Typosquatting is what we call it when people - often criminals - register a common misspelling of another organization's domain as their own.  Following are a few examples:

  1. Dropping the dot after www ( wwwaa.com)
  2. Dropping one letter (apple.om)
  3. Switching two letters (faecbook.com)
  4. Doubling characters (twiiter.com)
  5. Using similar looking characters (googIe.com (i vs l)) 
  6. Pressing a wrong key (costko.com)
     

What is Malvertising? 

Malvertising or malicious advertising is a technique that cybercriminals use to inject malware into users' computers when they visit malicious websites or click on an ad online.  Malvertising may also direct users to a corrupted website where their data can be stolen or malware can be downloaded onto their computer. 

How To Identify Malvertisements ?

Malvertisements have a few distinct traits that can make them easy to spot if you know what to look for, including sloppy or unprofessional-looking ads, spelling mistakes, unrealistic promises, or celebrity scandals. If an offer appears too good to be true, beware. 

How Can You Protect Yourself from Cybersquatting, Typosquatting, and Malvertising? 

1.) Protection from Cybersquatting and Typosquatting :

Prevention Method 

Steps to Follow 

Check URLs Carefully 
  1. Read the domain name carefully. 
  2. Detect spelling errors or extra characters. 
  3. Confirm the correct domain ending before clicking. 

Use Bookmarks 
  1. Save trusted websites in bookmarks. 
  2. Open sites directly from bookmarks. 
  3. Update bookmarks only from official sources. 

Rely on Auto-Complete 
  1. Start typing the website name. 
  2. Let the browser suggest the full address. 
  3. Verify the suggestion before pressing enter. 

Verify Links 
  1. Hover over each link before clicking. 
  2. Read the real URL in the status bar. 
  3. Reject links with suspicious endings or redirects. 

Use Security Tools 
  1. Install antivirus software and keep it updated. 
  2. Secure logins with a password manager. 
  3. Enable link checkers or safe search tools. 

Avoid Suspicious Content 
  1. Ignore unexpected links in emails, texts, or chats. 
  2. Delete unknown attachments immediately. 
  3. Report phishing attempts when possible. 

Use Safe Navigation 
  1. Search for websites using trusted search engines. 
  2. Avoid clicking sponsored or shady ads. 
  3. Confirm results with voice tools or direct checks. 

Invest in Security Solutions 
  1. Install a comprehensive security suite. 
  2. Protect all personal and work devices. 
  3. Update the software regularly to block new threats. 

2.) Protection from Malvertising :

Methods 

Prevention steps 

Install an Ad Blocker 
  1. Choose a trusted ad blocker extension. 
  2. Add it to your browser. 
  3. Keep it updated for new threats. 

     Turn on Click-to-Play     
  1. Open browser settings. 
  2. Find “Plugins” or “Site Settings.” 
  3. Enable “Click-to-Play” so content runs only when approved. 

Use Antivirus Software
  1. Install reputable antivirus software. 
  2. Update it regularly. 
  3. Run frequent scans to detect malware. 

 Identify Illegitimate Ads 
  1. Look for spelling or grammar mistakes. 
  2. Avoid ads with poor design or unrealistic promises. 
  3. Report suspicious ads if possible. 

Avoid Clicking Ads
  1. Do not click any ad on websites. 
  2. Search for the company directly in your browser. 
  3. Visit official websites or contact businesses directly. 

 

Conclusion

Cybercriminals actively use fake URLs and malicious ads to impersonate trusted brands and trick users into revealing sensitive information. You cannot eliminate fake websites or scams entirely, but you can protect yourself by making smart choices. Always type or bookmark official web addresses, verify ads and links before clicking, and rely on security tools like password managers, antivirus software, and MFA. Report any suspicious ads, links, or numbers to SLU so the university can take action quickly. When you stay alert and practice safe online habits, you block scammers’ tricks and keep your personal and university information secure. 

Follow these tips to ensure that you’re staying safe online and avoiding fake websites: 

  • Bookmarks: Visit important websites directly or save them in your bookmarks.  

  • Password Manager: Use a password manager tool to securely store and auto-fill credentials only on real websites. 

  • Safe Browsing Tools: Turn on Safe Browsing or use security extensions like Malwarebytes Browser Guard to check suspicious websites automatically. 

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA on your accounts (email, banking, university portals) so stolen passwords alone can’t be used. 

  • Payment Safety: Use traditional, secure payment options and Avoid gift cards for online payments. 

  • Identity Protection: Sign up for identity and credit monitoring services to get alerts if your personal information is misused (for example: Experian, IdentifyForce, Lifelock).  

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