Humans are predictable: When we want to know something, we’re probably going to google it. Companies (including digital media sites like Lifehacker) know this, and often try to “game the algorithm” by producing content they know will match with common searches. The problem is, scammers know this too—and are happy to use their knowledge of what you’re likely to google against you.
I’m not talking about scammers who pay for misleading ads featured in Google’s “Sponsored Results,” though that’s a problem too. Instead, these bad actors are exploiting commonly searched phrases to serve up links to websites that will try to trick you into falling for a scam. The risk is always there, but here are five things you should google with particular care.
“Free credit report”
Ironically, one of the riskiest search terms when it comes to exposing yourself to scammers actually has the opposite intended effect. We all know that we are legally entitled to viewing our credit report for free, and that monitoring your credit report is a great way to ensure your identity hasn’t been compromised—but if you’re not careful, googling “free credit report” can take you to a site that will put you at risk of just that.
Fake credit report sites will ask for a lot of personal information, and you might be inclined to provide it, assuming it’s necessary for you to receive your report. Instead, you’ll be giving up your personal info to someone who certainly does not have your financial wellbeing in mind.
Luckily, there’s an easy way to avoid this risk. Each of the three major consumer reporting companies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—allow you to check your credit with them once a year by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com or calling (877) 322-8228, no googling necessary. (Check out other ways to get a legitimate free credit report here.)
“[Company] customer service number”
Sometimes you need to talk to customer service ASAP, and in your rush, you call the first official-seeming phone number you can find. Scammers are hoping it’s actually one of theirs, and that you won’t notice and of the inconspicuous red flags they’ve unintentionally left behind that would tip you off the number you’re dialing isn’t legit.
Let’s say you’re trying to call your cell phone company, but end up inadvertantly dialing a scammer. They ask to text you a security code to “confirm your identity” and you give it to them—whoops, you’ve just given them a way to reset your account password. Or they’ll do something similar to take over your phone number and use it to try to scam others.
An easy way to avoid this is to make sure you’re not blindly dialing the first number that comes up on the Google search. Check the source URL and make sure it’s the official website by reviewing the “about us” or “contact us” page for anything fishy.
“High paying remote job”
Almost nothing that is easy in life is good for you. This is especially true when we’re talking about making money online in 2023. Suffice it to say, a lot of job postings are complete scams.
The best advice here is the simplest: If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep an eye out for vague job descriptions, posts that are months old, and HR inquiries sent from free email domains like @gmail.
“Free people finder”
Everyone does it but nobody likes to admit it. People searching, or “creeping,” is normal behavior these days, and easier than ever, given how much of our personal information is likely scattered across the internet. But visiting a “people finder” to get info about someone else might actually reveal too much about you: many of these websites are sketchy, and all too happy to take your money and personal information while trying to help you track down someone else (just check out the complaints to the Better Business Bureau for Peoplefinder.com).
Luckily, there are free, legal, and legitimate ways to creep on people without putting yourself at risk—and if you want to opt out of appearing on people finder websites yourself, you can do that too (though it will take some effort).
“Best crypto wallet”
It’s understandable to want to find the safest wallet to keep your valuable crypto out of the hands of scammers, hackers, and thieves. However, looking for one via a simple search is exactly what scammers want you to do—and their SEO skills are positioning their traps high up in Google results.
An easy way to avoid this problem is to instead find a reputable website offering trustworthy advice and follow their links to their recommended wallets. Might I suggest perusing our recommendations here?