Think about the last time you clicked on an ad online.
Maybe it was for a new gadget, a clothing sale, or even a funny game. You probably didn’t stop to wonder if the ad was fake, right?
That’s exactly what scammers are hoping for, and it’s how a sneaky trick called malvertising is catching more and more people every day.
Watch out for these sneaky online ad scams
Malvertising, short for “malicious advertising,” happens when scammers hide harmful software inside online ads. You might think you’re clicking on something harmless, but instead, you could end up downloading viruses, handing over your passwords, or even losing control of your device.
Even worse, sometimes you don’t even have to click. Just loading a page with a bad ad, especially on an outdated browser, can infect your device without you knowing.
Clearly, it’s important to know what to look out for and just as importantly, what you can do to protect yourself.
Scam ads that scare and raise your blood pressure
First, let’s talk about ads that put the fear of God in you.
You might be scrolling when, suddenly, an ad screams, “WARNING: Your Computer is Infected! Call Now!” It’s designed to make you panic and act without thinking.
If you call the number, scammers answer pretending to be tech support. Then they pressure you to install “helpful” software, which actually gives them control over your computer. After that, they create fake problems and charge you outrageous fees to “fix” them.
Instead of reacting right away, take a breath. Real tech companies don’t randomly diagnose your computer through ads. If something feels off, it probably is.
Fake downloads that trick you
Next, fake installer ads are another favorite scam.
For example, you might see an ad offering a free antivirus program, a browser update, or an exciting app. Since it looks official, you click. However, instead of installing helpful software, you install malware that spies on you or steals your information.
Before you download anything, always double-check the website address. Furthermore, if the URL has strange spelling or doesn’t match the company’s real website, close it immediately. When in doubt, visit the company’s official website directly.
Drive-by scams you don’t even see coming
Even sneakier, drive-by download malvertising doesn’t even need a click.
If your browser or device isn’t updated, simply visiting a page that hosts a bad ad can trigger an infection. In a flash, malware can slip onto your system, often without you noticing anything.
Because of that, updates are absolutely essential. Every update patches the security holes that scammers love to exploit. In other words, keeping your software fresh makes it much harder for them to get in.
How to stay safe from malvertising
Thankfully, staying safe is easier than it sounds.
First, slow down. If an ad says your device is hacked or demands urgent action, resist the urge to click. Instead, ask yourself: “Would a real company even know what’s happening on my device?”
Next, always hover over links before clicking to see where they lead. If the destination looks strange or suspicious, avoid it altogether.
In addition, make updating your devices a regular habit. Those pesky little “Update Available” messages are not just suggestions; they are shields against attacks.
Just as importantly, talk about malvertising with your coworkers, employees, and even family members. When everyone knows what to watch for, your whole team becomes stronger.
Finally, consider working with cybersecurity experts who can provide real protection like ad-blocking tools, automatic updates, and security training.
Trust your gut and stay sharp
At the end of the day, scammers succeed when you act without thinking. However, you can stop them in their tracks by trusting your gut.
If something feels wrong, it probably is. Take a second before you click. Ask questions. Stay skeptical.
A little caution today could save you from a big headache tomorrow.
Want help training your team to spot malvertising scams and other online threats before they do damage? We’re ready to make it easy for you. Let’s connect and build a safer, smarter business together.
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