How can Google help prevent fraud?
Just like in real life, there are scammers online. Google takes a number of steps to protect you from scams.
Banning bad ads (and bad advertisers)
We have very clear policies about who can run ads through Google tools. We have designed our own advertising policies with user safety and trust in mind. For example, we do not allow ads for malicious downloads, counterfeit products, or ads with unclear billing practices. If we detect ad fraud, we not only block the ad, but also the advertiser from working with Google in the future.
Cost clarity
One way that online scammers make money is by using someone else's computer or phone for an action that charges that person and offers money to the offender. For example, one way is to create an app that can make a user's phone send text messages or call a paid chat line, thereby charging that person, for the offender's benefit.
On Android phones, you can see what an app is asking to do with your phone by looking at the Google Play description labeled “permissions.” Read this information before downloading an app to decide whether you want it or not. For example, if you’re about to download a new ringtone app, you can see if that app can make phone calls on your behalf. If you find that something looks suspicious, you might decide not to install the app.
For newer Android devices, we'll let you know if the app is trying to send an SMS to a phone number that may incur additional charges. You can then choose whether to allow the app to send the message or block it.
Identity theft prevention
Just like burglars and thieves, cybercriminals use many ways to steal personal information and money. Just as you wouldn’t give a burglar the key to your house, make sure you’re protected from online fraud and identity theft. Learn about the common tricks criminals use to protect yourself from online fraud and identity theft. Here are some simple tips. Don’t
respond if you see a suspicious email, instant message, or website asking for personal or financial information.
Always be cautious of any messages or websites that ask for your personal information or messages that refer to an unknown website and ask you for the following details:
- Usernames
- Access codes
- Social security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- PIN codes (Personal Identification Numbers)
- Full credit card numbers
- Your mother's paternal name
- On your birthday
