Google Raises Alarm Over Increasing Fake VPN and AI Fraud

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The tech powerhouse Google has expressed escalating concern about the rise in online scams that utilize AI technologies, malicious applications, and social engineering tactics to deceive users globally. This alert, released on November 6, underscores emerging threats that impact both individuals and enterprises.

One of the most alarming hazards identified is the proliferation of malicious VPN applications. Cybercriminals are masking harmful software as reputable VPN services, often mimicking well-known brands. Their aggressive methods include suggestive advertising, fear-driven alerts related to geopolitical events, and fake promises of free services. Upon installation, these applications can unleash malware such as information stealers, remote access trojans, and banking trojans, gaining access to sensitive user data, including browsing history and login details.

To combat this growing threat, Google advocates for the activation of Google Play Protect, which now features an upgraded fraud-prevention pilot program. This system is designed to prevent the installation of high-risk applications, including those installed through web browsers, messaging platforms, or file managers. Both Android and Google Play are increasingly leveraging machine learning techniques to identify and eliminate harmful apps proactively.

Additionally, job seekers are becoming victims of scams, with criminals establishing counterfeit recruitment websites, bogus government job alerts, and phony recruiter profiles. Victims are often tricked into paying fees or providing sensitive documents, occasionally leading to the installation of malicious “interview software” that endangers devices and networks. Gmail phishing detection, Messages Scam Detection, and 2-Step Verification enhance user defenses against these threats.

Businesses face another dire risk: extortion via fake negative reviews. Scammers inundate business profiles with fictitious one-star ratings and then demand payments to prevent further damage. In response, Google Maps is rolling out reporting tools that allow merchants to flag these extortion schemes directly.

The increasing incidence of impersonation of AI products presents yet another significant danger. Cybercriminals are capitalizing on users’ interest in AI tools, advertising harmful apps, fleeceware subscriptions, or browser extensions designed to collect credentials. False offers of free or exclusive access circulate via hijacked social media accounts, misleading advertisements, and malicious code repositories.

Google’s Safe Browsing initiatives now provide real-time alerts to users regarding risky downloads, while teams managing the Play Store and Chrome Web Store persist in removing applications that imitate legitimate AI products. Fraud recovery scams are also on the rise, targeting previous victims by presenting themselves as investigators or legal firms demanding upfront payments.

As the holiday shopping season nears, Google foresees an uptick in scams, including fraudulent online shops, deceptive discounts, and phishing messages dressed as delivery notifications. Enhanced security features on devices like the Pixel 9 are aimed at identifying threats using on-device AI models, equipping users to remain one step ahead of potential scammers.