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Search Engine Fraud: Fake Websites and Advertisement Traps on Google

What Is Search Engine Fraud?

Search engine fraud is among the internet crimes that have created the most victims in recent years. Thousands of people face the risk of losing their credit card information, bank accounts, and personal data due to fake sites that appear at the top of Google searches.

Many users trust websites that appear at the top of Google. However, scammers exploit this very sense of trust. They run fake ads, copy the sites of real institutions, and direct users to their own systems.

Therefore, even a few minutes of carelessness can lead to serious financial losses.

How Is Search Engine Fraud Committed?

Scammers first copy the websites of real institutions. Then, they create sponsored links through the Google advertising system. Additionally, some individuals try to move fake sites to the top of search results using SEO methods.

Through these methods, scammers generally aim to:

  • Obtain credit card information
  • Access bank accounts
  • Perform money transfers
  • Collect identity information
  • Steal account passwords

The risk is even higher in searches for banks, municipalities, courier services, and technical support. This is because users often want to perform urgent transactions and do not check the details.

How Does the Fake Site Trap Work?

Fake site fraud usually begins with exact copies of real websites. At first glance, the user thinks they have entered the real site because the logos, colors, and design are almost identical.

However, the system works differently. When the user enters their information into the form, the data goes directly to the scammer's database.

Some scammers also add recipes or blog posts to their sites. This way, they try to mislead search engines. For example, it is possible to see stuffed meatball recipes on a copied municipal website. Thanks to this method, the site can remain online for a longer period.

Most Common Search Engine Fraud Methods

1. Fake Call Center Trap

Scammers often use the following names:

  • Bank customer service
  • Courier companies
  • Technical services
  • e-Government support units

The user calls the number at the top of Google. Then, they are connected to people who talk professionally. Afterwards, the scammers ask the user for card details or an SMS verification code.

However, banks never request passwords over the phone.

2. Sponsored Ad Trap

Not every result that appears at the top of Google is safe, because scammers can purchase ads.

For example:

  • Bank name
  • Insurance company
  • Technical service brand
  • Courier company

they can place sponsored ads under these names.

Many people think, "If it's at the top, it must be correct." Despite this, they overlook the "Ad" label on Google. This is exactly where the risk of fraud grows.

3. Phishing (Fake Login Screen)

Some individuals scare the user with messages like:

  • “Verify your password”
  • “Log in to your account”
  • “You have won a prize”

When the user logs in, the system captures the following information:

  • National ID number (T.C. Kimlik)
  • Card details
  • Mobile banking password

Afterwards, the scammers try to access the accounts.

4. IBAN and Money Transfer Trap

Some scammers persuade the user to send money directly.

For example:

  • Fee refund
  • Debt settlement
  • Account verification

They use these excuses to guide the user to make a payment to a different IBAN.

Legal Dimension of Search Engine Fraud

Under Turkish law, search engine fraud is often evaluated within the scope of the crime of qualified fraud committed using information systems.

In accordance with Article 158/1-f of the Turkish Penal Code, the perpetrator may be subject to:

  • Imprisonment from 3 to 10 years
  • Judicial fine

Moreover, if the perpetrator records personal data unlawfully, additional crimes may also occur. If the crime is committed by an organization, the sentence becomes even more severe.

What Should You Do If You Are a Victim of Search Engine Fraud?

First of all, do not panic, but act quickly.

In the first stage:

✅ Call your bank
✅ Have your card blocked
✅ Change your passwords
✅ Check your mobile banking

Then, preserve the evidence:

✅ Take screenshots
✅ Record the phone number
✅ Keep the IBAN information
✅ Save the ad link

Afterwards, you can file a criminal complaint with the Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Search Engine Fraud?

Follow these steps to protect yourself:

✔ Pay attention to sponsored links
✔ Type the site address manually
✔ Prefer mobile applications
✔ Check the amount in incoming SMS
✔ Do not share passwords over the phone

Also, do not immediately trust people who say they are calling from the bank. Instead, hang up and call the bank yourself.

Conclusion

Search engine fraud victimizes more people every day. Despite this, many people trust results that appear at the top of Google without questioning them. Yet, scammers use exactly this sense of trust.

Therefore, it is of great importance to pay attention to sponsored ads, check the site address, and examine verification messages. If you become a victim, acting quickly can reduce your losses.

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