Google has raised the alarm about a growing number of AI-driven scams that are getting harder to spot and more complex. In a recent advisory, the company warned that cybercriminals are now using generative AI to create fake job listings, replicate corporate websites, and create misleading apps that look nearly identical to authentic ones.
Google’s Trust & Safety team warned that people and small businesses are more vulnerable to these advanced digital scams as the holiday shopping season and year-end job searches approach. According to Google, scammers are using AI to mimic website designs, corporate branding, and even realistic recruiter profiles in order to trick gullible people.
Among the most popular strategies, one that has surged is the fake job listings. In this scam, the scammers pretend to be representatives of reputable companies or government agencies and request personal information or processing fees from the applicants. Sometimes, victims also get duped into downloading fake interviews that are intended to steal information.
According to the company, review extortion, a practice where attackers bombard business listings with fake one-star reviews and then demand money to have them removed,” is increasingly being used to target businesses. Google has responded to this by introducing a feature that enables retailers to report extortion attempts directly through their business profiles in order to take prompt action.
The advisory also mentioned an increase in scams involving AI impersonation. Fraudsters are launching fake versions of popular AI tools, often marketed as exclusive or free access, that secretly install malware or steal user credentials. Google warned that some VPN apps that claimed to offer privacy solutions were also discovered to contain hidden malware.
Google stated that it is improving user safety through improved AI-based safeguards, such as an improved Safe Browsing system, stricter Play Store regulations, and real-time scam detection across Gmail and Google Messages.
The company advised users to exercise caution during major online shopping events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, by verifying website URLs, avoiding unofficial app downloads, and avoiding offers that appear “too good to be true.”