Always take a second look when relying on search engines to find information and websites.
When you need answers, your first instinct is to search online.
Whether you need to find a business or a customer service number, chances are you’ll head to a search engine first. But remember, not everything that shows up at the top of the page from your “quick search” is always accurate, trustworthy, or safe.
What you'll learn:
- How sponsored ads can lead to fake websites.
- Why AI overviews can sometimes yield inaccurate information.
- Tips for searching online safely to avoid scams or misdirection.
Between artificial intelligence (AI) overviews and sponsored ads, search engines can sometimes prioritize content that looks authoritative but is actually misleading, outdated, or even malicious.
How can you stay safe when searching online? BBB has tips:
- Sponsored ads aren’t always safe. Sponsored ads typically show up at the top of your search results. Unfortunately, anyone can buy sponsored ad space, including scammers. Before you click on the top ad in a search result, hover over the link and check if the web address matches the real organization’s site. If you’re searching for a phone number for customer support, double-check it’s the real one before calling.
- AI crawlers can spread inaccuracies. Search engines are using automated AI systems to pull information and summarize it for you at the top of your search results. Unfortunately, these “AI crawlers” can’t always tell the difference between fact and fiction and may share inaccurate information. If an AI overview seems questionable, do a little extra research on your own.
- Don’t get fooled by urgent or seemingly trustworthy headlines. Search results for fake websites may use enticing language to get you to click. Don’t always trust search engine results that claim to be the “official site” in the headline or promote heavily discounted sales for a limited time.
- Go direct when possible. For banks, government services, utilities, and retail stores, type the web address directly into the browser instead of searching for it. This will reduce the chances of you going to a fake website. Always check the URL of your website before entering any personal or financial information.
- Confirm business contact details provided by AI before you call. Sometimes, the AI summaries in search engines will provide you with a phone number for a business or customer service representative that’s actually fake. As mentioned above, check to make sure the phone number you need is real before calling.
- Keep trusted contacts on hand. Life is full of twists and turns. BBB has tips for keeping trusted contacts on hand so you know who to call when something goes wrong, like a locksmith or your bank, instead of relying on search engines to find contact information quickly.