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Fake "locked computer" alerts in Google Ads are tricking users into calling tech-support scammers

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TL;DR: A malicious Google Ads campaign used fake security warnings to convince Windows and Mac users that their computers had been locked, then pushed them to call fraudulent technical-support numbers. The ads appeared on legitimate, high-traffic sites, including maps, weather, real estate, sports and document-hosting pages. After a user clicked, the ad opened a page that took over the browser and displayed warnings that made it look as though the device had been infected or disabled.

The goal was not to install malware or lock the computer. It was to create enough confusion to get people to call the number on the screen. Callers were then pressured to pay for bogus support, hand over personal information or allow someone to remotely access their device.

Netskope, the security firm that tracked the campaign, said...

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