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Malicious Google Ads Target Users Seeking Solutions for Printer Repairs. Printer Problems? Watch Out for Fraudulent Help.
Anyone who’s used a printer has likely experienced some frustration—whether it’s software glitches, paper jams, or any number of other common issues.When people encounter problems, many turn to Google (or even AI) for solutions. This is where scammers take advantage, targeting frustrated users who might be close to giving up on their printers.
By clicking on a malicious Google ad, victims are often redirected to a fake website that looks official, using well-known brand names and logos. The scammers’ main goal is to get victims to call them, tricking them into downloading fake printer drivers that fail to install.
In this post, we’ll explain how these scams work and how to avoid falling victim to them.
Malicious Search Ads
Popular printer brands like HP and Canon often show up in sponsored search results when users search for help with printer issues. Unfortunately, most of these ads are not from legitimate providers but from tech support scammers. For example, when searching for “HP printer help,” you’ll often see multiple ads at the top of the search page before the actual official HP website appears.The Fake Printer Driver Scam
A printer driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with your printer. In the past, drivers were critical for getting devices to work, but today most operating systems automatically detect and install the required drivers. However, some manufacturers still bundle additional software with their drivers.
When a victim clicks on a malicious ad, the scam website asks for the printer’s model number to download the “necessary driver.” What follows is a fake installation process, typically involving a recorded animation that ends with an error message—ensuring the driver never installs.
Many fall victim to these scams, which are run by large networks of tech support agents in poor conditions. These agents often impersonate well-known brands and request personal information from their targets. In many cases, scammers even ask for remote access to the victim’s computer, giving them the opportunity to steal data, lock the system, or access bank accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
It’s essential to stay cautious when browsing online, especially with search ads. Installing browser extensions like Malwarebytes Browser Guard can help block ads and malicious websites associated with these scams.While this won’t solve your printer issues directly, it will help protect you from falling into a scam. For printer troubleshooting, online forums can be a helpful resource. And, if you have a tech-savvy friend or family member, they might be able to lend a hand.
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