Google removed 5 billion banned ads in 2022; see how to protect yourself from fraud

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Among the legitimate advertisements, some advertisements pass the company’s verification and manage to promote fake websites. Google store in Manhattan, New York, USA, in November 2021 photo Andrew Kelly/Reuters/Archive Google searches usually show results of those who paid to occupy the space at the top of the page. These are the so-called “sponsored links”, through which advertisers can promote their products and services. Most ads are legitimate, but some ads manage to get past Google verification and promote fake websites that impersonate large retailers to run consumer scams. Google says it is committed to “blocking or removing fraudulent ads”. The company claims that in 2022 it removed 5.2 billion ads and suspended 6.7 million advertiser accounts for violations of its policies. Check out what to do to protect yourself from fake ads, according to Google: Check the name of the website that appears next to the ad – a fake ad can use the name similar to that of a real store, with minor changes; Review the website address, especially before logging in, calling a number that appears on the page, or providing financial information; Click on the three-dot icon that appears next to the ad to get basic information about the advertiser; Be wary if there is a sense of urgency to send money, pass on personal information or click on a link, for example; Use different passwords on your accounts to minimize damage if your data is stolen – see how to use password managers. How to report fake ads If you find a fraudulent ad, you can report the content using the form provided by Google at this link. You must inform the type of fraud and the link where it appears. The form allows you to report ads that appear in search and on YouTube, as well as those served by Google on third-party websites and applications.

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