Scammers are getting smarter — and more relentless. In its latest Online Scams Advisory, released ahead of the inaugural Scams Summit hosted by the Google Safety Engineering Center, Google’s Trust & Safety team revealed how global fraud tactics have continued to evolve in 2025. The numbers are staggering: according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, scammers stole $1 trillion globally in just 12 months. In the U.S., the FTC reported a 25% increase in fraud losses year over year.
Here are the top five scam trends identified in Google’s report:
1. Customer Support Scams
Fraudsters are impersonating official customer support teams, targeting users with fake pop-ups or search results that display fraudulent contact information. These scams play on user distress, using social engineering to steal sensitive data or gain remote access. Google has responded by blocking ads for third-party tech support and rolling out AI-powered protections in Chrome to help users avoid malicious sites.
2. Malvertising
Malicious advertising isn’t just targeting novice users anymore. Today’s scammers use fake ads and cracked software downloads to go after high-value targets like crypto wallet owners and online influencers. These scams often ask users to ignore antivirus alerts or disable protections. Google is actively working with trusted advertisers to detect and block these campaigns using a mix of AI and human review.
3. Fake Travel Websites
With vacation season underway, fraudulent travel websites are luring people in with unbelievably low prices and fake booking offers. These scams often mimic real hotel chains or travel agencies and typically emerge during holiday periods or major events. Google prohibits misrepresentative ads and is taking action by suspending advertisers who engage in impersonation.
4. Package Tracking Scams
Fake shipping notifications are on the rise, with scammers using tools like phishing kits to create near-perfect clones of legitimate delivery sites. These messages often include links to fake tracking pages and request users to pay fees or enter personal information. Google Messages now uses on-device AI to detect these scams in real time and warn users accordingly.
5. Toll Road Scams
Taking advantage of the shift to cashless tolling systems, scammers are sending texts claiming unpaid toll fees. These messages often appear realistic but may reference toll roads in regions that don’t even have them. Google has enhanced scam detection in Google Messages to flag these threats and help users avoid falling victim.
As cybercriminals continue to adapt, Google is stepping up its efforts to track, block, and report scams — but staying informed remains one of the most important tools for personal protection.
