Google’s AI Overviews Can Scam You. Here’s How to Stay Safe
The New Frontier of AI Scams
Google’s AI Overviews were designed to make search easier — synthesizing information from across the web into neat, AI-generated summaries. But scammers have found a new way to exploit this technology: injecting fake customer support phone numbers directly into AI Overviews.
How the Scam Works
When someone searches for a company’s contact number, Google’s AI pulls information from various sources across the web. Scammers publish fake phone numbers alongside legitimate company names in low-profile places online. The AI then scoops up these numbers without proper verification.
The victim calls what they think is a company’s support line, but instead reaches a scammer — ready to steal payment information or sensitive data.
It’s Not Just Google
The problem extends beyond Google Search. Security researchers have shown how malicious text hidden in emails or documents can be scraped and summarized by AI tools.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify phone numbers manually — Find the number on the official website
- Don’t trust AI for contact details — AI can pick up fraudulent information
- Double-check everything — Perform additional searches to verify
- When in doubt, visit the source — Go directly to company websites
The Bottom Line
AI Overviews can be helpful for general information, but they’re not reliable for specific facts or contact information. The best defense is a skeptical mind.