Think the first link in Google is always safe? Think again. Sponsored ads are being weaponized by scammers to trick users into handing over credentials or downloading malware. Here’s how to spot the danger—and how to defend your business.
A Little Known Danger at the Top of Your Search Results
Imagine you’re looking for a PDF reader, photo editor, or other popular software. Or perhaps you need the services of a financial advisor or just want a new TV streaming service. What's the first thing you’d likely do? A Google search, of course! So you enter your search terms and click on the very first result. Seems fine, right?
Unfortunately, you may not notice that you clicked on an ad—not an organic (genuine) search result.
Does this matter? Absolutely! Sponsored ads, while usually safe, are increasingly being exploited by scammers. Even individuals who consider themselves cyber-aware may hand over sensitive personal information or download malware simply by clicking on a top result.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
- how to spot sponsored ads
- the two most common threats they pose – Phishing and Malware
- best practices to avoid scams
- how security tools like ThreatLocker can help protect you.
What Are Sponsored Links and Why Are They Risky?
What Are Sponsored Links?
Sponsored links or ads are a common way businesses get their products or services noticed. Companies pay a fee to have their links displayed prominently when users enter search terms related to what they offer. These links typically appear at the top of the first page or within the first few results but may also appear further down the page.
Unlike organic search results, which are ranked by algorithms based on relevance and authority, sponsored links are advertisements triggered by selected keywords. Search engines usually label these ads with tags like "Sponsored," "Ad," or "Promoted," but the distinction is often subtle.
Tip: Train yourself to spot the ads then skip to the organic results instead.
Why Scammers Love to Use Sponsored Ads
Scammers love sponsored ads because of the built-in trust users place in top search results. Instead of sending out mass phishing emails and hoping someone clicks, scammers can pay for placement and wait for victims to come to them – primed to trust what they see.
It’s a bit like the difference between fishing with a net or fishing with a specialized lure targeting only high-value fish.
Threat #1: Phishing – Don’t Be Hooked by Sponsored Links
How Search Results Can Lead to Phishing Attacks
In recent years, awareness of phishing emails has greatly increased. Most people are on alert for potential scams in their inbox. However, other forms of phishing are more subtle and target areas where we may have a misplaced sense of trust. Online search results using a favorite browser can be a major blind spot. So how do scammers capitalize on this built-in trust?
- Scammers create fake websites that mimic trusted organizations such as banks or government agencies.
- These sites are promoted through sponsored ads, making them appear at the top of search results.
- Users unknowingly enter personal or financial details into fake forms that appear completely legitimate.
Real-World Example:
Ruth Jean, a small business owner from London, Ontario, searched "CRA Business login" on Google in March 2025. She clicked the first result, which looked like the official Canada Revenue Agency website. It asked for her SIN, banking details, ATM password, and card expiration date. After she submitted the information, the screen went black. Moments later, $26,820 had been drained from her account. She had unknowingly entered her details into a spoofed site promoted via a sponsored link. (CTV News)
How to Protect Yourself:
- Avoid clicking on "Sponsored" links when searching for government agencies or financial institutions.
- Visit official websites directly by typing their URLs or using bookmarks.
- Always verify URLs carefully—scammers often use lookalike characters to mimic trusted domains.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on all sensitive accounts to add an extra layer of protection.
Threat #2: Malware – Hidden Software Attacks
The second most common threat related to fake “Sponsored” search results is the potential to download malware. People often search using terms like “pdf reader free download” or “download photo editor free”. Accessing legitimate sites like Adobe or Canva is totally safe. But what if you click a “Sponsored” link leading to a fake site? It may look very much like the real deal – but instead of downloading the productivity tool you were looking for, you receive something else entirely. And once it’s installed, the pain begins.
What Happens:
- Malicious sponsored links may trigger automatic downloads or silent software installations (like malware or ransomware) without your knowledge or consent.
- In “tech support” scams, a remote agent may gain access to your system and install malware directly during the session.
Case Study: Sponsored Ad for "Tech Support" Leads to Big Financial Losses
The dangers of sponsored links are demonstrated by the case of a company that recently became a client. Their company experienced a loss of upwards of $100,000 due to fraudsters – and it all started with one click.
The company was having issues with its printer and searched for “[Brand] Printer Tech Support.” The first result was a sponsored link that appeared to be the brand’s legitimate webpage. The site listed a phone number for technical support. When they called, a “technician” walked them through installing remote viewing software (such as TeamViewer or ScreenConnect). The printer issue was resolved, and everything seemed normal.
What the victim didn’t know was that while the technician was connected, they also installed hidden malicious tools – like a screen scraper (which takes screenshots) and a keylogger (which records keystrokes). These tools silently captured everything typed or viewed onscreen, including usernames and passwords, for banking sites. The attackers used that information to steal a large sum of money.
When the client realized they were under attack, they called us for help. We immediately began incident response procedures and discovered six different malware applications had been installed. We cleaned and sanitized the affected systems and then implemented endpoint protection — including ThreatLocker — to ensure stronger security going forward.
This case shows how easily a simple support call from a sponsored link can escalate into a major cybersecurity incident.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Don’t download software from sponsored links — always go directly to the official website instead.
- Use strong cybersecurity tools like ThreatLocker and other reputable endpoint protections.
- Keep your systems updated — regularly install updates for your operating system and software to patch vulnerabilities.
- Educate your employees — train your team to recognize suspicious requests, especially those involving remote access or unexpected pop-ups.
PRO TIP: How ThreatLocker Stops Malware at the Endpoint
While traditional antivirus tools try to catch threats after they arrive, ThreatLocker is designed to stop them before they can even start. Here's how it protects your business:
Application Allowlisting
ThreatLocker uses a “default-deny” model, meaning no software can run unless it’s explicitly approved. Even if malware is downloaded, it won’t launch—because it’s not on the allowlist.
Ringfencing™ Technology
Even trusted applications are restricted to only the functions they need. For example, your PDF reader can’t suddenly access your file server or the internet unless it’s authorized. This prevents attackers from using legitimate tools as a backdoor into your network.
Script and PowerShell Control
Many modern attacks use scripts or PowerShell to sneak past antivirus tools. ThreatLocker shuts these down unless they’ve been pre-approved, which stops most fileless malware in its tracks.
Managed by Your IT Partner
You don’t need to worry about managing allowlists or reviewing technical alerts yourself. When you work with an IT partner like us, we handle the setup and monitoring. If something is blocked that you need, we’ll review and vet the application to ensure it’s safe before approving it—so you stay productive and protected.
Real-Time Visibility and Control
Your IT team can see what’s happening across your endpoints in real time. If anything suspicious pops up—like an unauthorized script trying to run—they can take action immediately.
Combatting Fraud: Google's Role and Your Responsibility
While users play a vital role in protecting themselves from scams, search engines like Google also share some responsibility. Here’s how Google works to reduce ad-based threats—and what you can do to stay safer.
Google's Efforts to Combat Malicious Ads
- Mass Removals: Google regularly removes millions of ads that violate their policies. In 2022 alone, they removed 5.2 billion ads and restricted another 4.3 billion.
- Account Suspensions: They suspended more than 6.7 million advertiser accounts in 2022 and blocked 206.5 million ads in 2023 under their Misrepresentation Policy.
Detection and Monitoring
- Google uses machine learning, automated systems, and human reviewers to detect and remove harmful ads.
- These tools evaluate ad content, behavior, and landing pages for deceptive activity.
- Manual reviews are performed when automated systems fall short.
Transparency Through Ad Labeling
- Google labels ads with terms like "Sponsored" to help distinguish them from organic results.
- This labeling system is meant to empower users to make informed choices – but it only works if users stay alert.
Your Role in Combatting Sponsored Ad Fraud
Google has automated protections in place, but it also relies on users to report suspicious activity. Each report helps improve the safety of the platform for everyone.
How to Report a Suspicious Ad:
- Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the ad.
- Select “Report Ad” from the dropdown menu.
- Follow the instructions to submit your concern.
3 Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Ads:
- Always check for the “Sponsored” tag and think twice before clicking.
- Go directly to the source—type in the URL for important websites rather than relying on search results.
- Report any ad that looks suspicious, misleading, or too good to be true.
As scammer's methodology continues to evolve, so must our browsing habits. Google is investing heavily in ad safety, but users remain the last line of defense. Staying cautious, informed, and proactive can prevent you from becoming the next victim.
What to Do If You’re a Victim (or Think You Might Be…)
Now the big question: What if you think you’ve been tricked by a malicious website? Maybe you handed over some private information or even financial details to the wrong people. Or perhaps you downloaded an app that wasn’t what it appeared to be. What should you do?
If You’ve Handed Over Personal or Financial Information:
- Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to freeze or monitor affected accounts.
- Change account passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) if you haven’t already.
- Notify credit bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion) and consider placing a fraud alert on your file.
- If Your Device Might Be Infected with Malware:
- Disconnect the device from the internet – unplug network cables and turn off Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Contact a cybersecurity professional or your IT partner for help.
*Remember: Your personal antivirus tools may not be enough, especially to detect sophisticated malware.
- Report the Incident:
- Contact the local police.
- Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
- If the incident started with a suspicious ad or sponsored link report it to Google.
By acting quickly, you can reduce your exposure to compromise and minimize losses. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, you’ll sleep better knowing where you stand and you’ll likely have stepped up your personal security in the process.
Conclusion: Awareness Is Your First Line of Defense
As we've seen, the bad guys like to turn trusted, routine actions into opportunities for theft. Clicking the first link in a Google search is our natural inclination – but it can open the door to serious cyber threats. Sponsored ads are an effective way for scammers to bypass our suspicions and our defenses.
Let’s recap what you’ve learned:
- Sponsored links are paid ads that can be exploited by scammers to target unsuspecting users.
- Clicking on these links can lead to theft of personal information, malware installation, or even financial loss.
- Scammers use fake websites, remote access tools, and hidden scripts to steal data and money.
- Tools like ThreatLocker stop malware in its tracks by enforcing strict application control and script restrictions.
- If you do fall victim, quick action can make a big difference—from disconnecting your device to contacting banks, authorities, and IT professionals.
The bottom line? You can’t eliminate every cyber risk—but you can prepare for it.
Partnering with a cybersecurity-focused IT provider means you’re not facing these risks alone. From proactive protections like ThreatLocker to a well-prepared incident response plan, having the right experts in your corner is essential to staying protected and resilient.
If your organization relies on internet-based tools, don’t leave your security up to chance.
Let’s talk about how our team can help you defend your business, train your staff, and respond swiftly when threats arise.
Contact us today to put the right cybersecurity protections in place before an attack happens.