Amidst the rising online scams and digital fraud, scammers are using big tech names to spoof people. A few days earlier some reports suggested that scammers are using big names such as Microsoft, Apple to scam people. In order to stop these activities, Google will be bringing ‘verified’ check marks for search results.
As reported by Gadgets 360, Google is testing to add ‘verified’ check marks for search results. This will allow users to identify verified sources when they search for something. On October 5, Google wrote in an official blog that this feature will add check marks to some companies on its search results.
Google to add ‘Verified’ check marks
Recently, users have been scammed using the name of big tech companies. The ‘verified’ check mark can help you to identify authentic information. Suppose, you are searching for any information related to a company, these ‘verified’ check marks will help you to understand if they are genuine or not. Scammers have been spreading wrong information about companies. Such wrong information can lead to ‘face loss’ of big brands. It can also mislead you with misinformation. So, in order to stop these, Google will add ‘verified’ check marks to help you identify authentic information.
Furthermore, a Google spokesperson highlighted that “We regularly experiment with features that help shoppers identify trustworthy businesses online.” The spokesperson also said that now the company is currently running a small experiment by showing check marks beside certain businesses on Google.
What’s in for you
As of now the ‘verified’ check mark is limited to a few users, said The Verge. It also highlighted that it found ‘blue verified’ check marks beside official site links for companies such as Meta, Apple and Microsoft, on search results.
On October 1, a report by CNBC said that scammers use the reputation of the brand for legitimacy purposes. But how does this scam take place? According to Cliff Steinhauer, director of information security and engagement at the National Cybersecurity Alliance, scammers use ‘brands’ names to gain trust of people. Initially a message comes from the brand (as pretended) suggesting users to update their devices. This comes as an urgency and you are advised to call the service provider. You eventually land up calling the service provider (scammers pretending to be staff of big companies). They will then ask for your personal information. This later on gets misused for fraudulent purposes.
In addition to this, scammers are also using artificial intelligence (AI) to copy logos of big companies. This makes it look more real. The ‘verified’ check marks can help to protect you from all these scams.
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