Do Not Make These Calls On Your Smartphone, Warns Google
These calls are dangerous
Republished on May 30 with further advice on staying safe as this fraud surges.
Forget unpaid toll and undelivered package texts. The attack that's now targeting your data and your money is much harder to detect and is surging, "having more than doubled over the past few months.' Google is on a mission to warn phone and PC users to be more alert — do not make these calls on your iPhone or Android phone.
'Customer support scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate support to steal sensitive information, are evolving,' Google has just warned. Gone are the days of clumsy emails and messages, we're now at a new level. Scammers 'often rely on impersonating well-known brands," and are 'now exploiting user distress through social engineering and web vulnerabilities to display fake phone numbers.'
Guardio warns that while such scams are not new, the current surge is 'closely tied to scammers using AI tools to scale their operations, allowing them to create convincing scams at scale.' And it's now all about tricking users into making phone call to as fake Microsoft or Google 1-888 number. If you do, a well-practiced scammer will be eagerly waiting to take your call and your money.
Google says such scams are 'an increasingly prevalent form of cybercrime, aimed at extorting money or gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data.' And while it might start with an 'alarming pop-up warnings mimicking legitimate security alerts,' you might even see 'full-screen takeovers' before a helpful support number pops up.
'Even as people become better at spotting potential scams,' Google says, 'transnational crime groups continue to evolve their tactics and defraud people around the world. In 2024, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance reported that in just 12 months, scammers stole $1 trillion globally. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission recently shared data in March showing a 25% year-over-year increase in reported losses to fraud.'
For transnational read Chinese. The likes of Smishing Triad and Panda Shop as outed by Resecurity are fueling a cybercrime epidemic that has 'no fear of FBI' and 'does not care about U.S. law enforcement agencies.' Operating out of China, the current standoff between Beijing and Washington makes these gangs feel untouchable.
Tech support scams have also just been highlighted by TheStreet's Retirement Daily as the top scam 'targeting older adults.' This age group is targeted, it says, 'because scammers often view this age group as having more wealth, being more trusting, and sometimes being less familiar with the latest technology and digital risks. Plus, many retirees may be at home more often or dealing with cognitive decline, and it creates a dangerous combination that scammers are quick to exploit.'
Do not make these calls.
Again, TheStreet emphasizes that 'no legitimate tech company will contact you out of the blue,' advising retirees that 'if you see a pop-up or get a call, shut down the computer or hang up, and contact a trusted professional if you're concerned.'
According to the FBI's 2024 cybercrime report, the over 60s age group lost more than any other age group and filed more complaints. And those losses were substantial — almost $5 billion, according to the bureau's report.
Google wants brands to use its 'dedicated' search feature to formalize support numbers, but as attacks induce a sense of panic and urgency and then push a phone number on users, that doesn't help. Not unless those users know never to call. The recent Android and Chrome anti-scam upgrades will hopefully be more effective.
Google says always 'seek out official support channels directly by using information from packaging or contracts. Avoid unsolicited contacts or pop-ups. Never grant remote access unless certain of official support. Always verify phone numbers for authenticity.'
But just as with those unpaid tolls and undelivered packages — two of the other scams highlighted by Google, this won't be resolved unless and until users know that DMVs will never reach out with threatening texts, delivery services will never text parcel fees, and you must never call a support number on a popup or on-screen message.
As TheStreet warns — and it's relevant for all age groups, 'fraudsters are evolving, but so are the tools and knowledge we have to fight back. The most powerful defense against scams is awareness. Talking about these threats with your financial adviser, your family and your community can help reduce your risk and protect others. If you're unsure about a phone call, email or offer you've received, don't act right away. Take a moment. Reach out to a trusted professional or family member before taking any steps. The pause could save you thousands — or more.'
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