Fake Online Results Scam Awareness

Be aware of the scams that can enter your search engine results by promoting fraud advertisements and fake websites that demand your clicks! We are here to safeguard you from these scams with information that helps identify the authenticity of websites and links.

A guide to prevent search engine scams effectively:

Check URLs : Don’t click before checking URLs. Make sure it matches the official website's domain and isn't a slight variation or misspelling.

Verify Sources : Cross-reference information across multiple reputable sources to confirm its accuracy.

Use Official Websites : Try to access websites directly by typing the URL into your browser, rather than relying solely on search results.

Look for HTTPS : Check if the website uses "https://" in its URL, indicating a secure connection. However, note that some scam sites also use HTTPS.

Read Content Carefully : Scrutinize the content of the website for grammatical errors, poor design, or suspicious claims.

Avoid Unnecessary Downloads : Be cautious about downloading files or software from unfamiliar websites, as they may contain malware.

Use Antivirus Software : Keep your antivirus and anti-malware software up to date to help detect and block potentially harmful websites.

Use Ad Blockers : Ad blockers can help reduce exposure to potentially misleading or harmful advertisements.

Enable Safe Browsing : Most browsers offer safe browsing options that can warn you about potentially dangerous websites.

Report Scams: If you encounter a fake website or scam, report it on National Cybercrime Reporting portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) and to the search engines.