Google’s AI overviews can send you straight to scammers. Here's how to stay safe
Posted on: Aug 19, 2025 08:34 IST | Posted by: Livemint
Google's AI overviews feature supply up a long way of life since its debut when the AI tool had suggested users to eat on rocks and add glue in pizza. Since then, the feature has become a mainstay on Google Search and the company wowed by its success, Google has also accompanied it with an AI mode on Search.
However, the feature still remains far from reliable as a recent report by Digital Trends found out. When users relied on Google's AI overviews to get the official customer care number of a company, they were instead directed towards the number of scammers.
“I’m sharing this as a public service announcement. With AI-generated results and spoofed numbers, the game has changed,” Alex Rivlin, owner of the company, said in a Facebook post. He added that he managed to escape at the last moment, but not before he had already handed over his credit card details to the bad actor.
A businness owner named Alex Rivlin shared his experience with AI overviews in a post on Facebook, stating, “I pride myself on being cautious. I don’t click links, I don’t give personal info over the phone, and I always verify. But I still got caught in a very sophisticated scam”
Rivlin noted that while looking for the cusotmer service number of Royal Caribbean on Google, he was given a number that wasn't real and was instead run by a scammer. While Rivlin managed to escape the scam at the last moment, he had already shared his credit card details to the bad actor by then.
This isn't a one off case by any chance, though, a few months a Reddit user Stimy3901 shared on the platform that while trying to Google “how to fix a misspelled name on Southwest”, they were given a fake number of the airlines by AI overviews, and trying to contact the number would result in scammers asking for hundreds of dollards to the change the name.
Another Reddit user, ScotiaMinotia, shared in a post how searching for British Airlines customer led them to a scam number. The user did not, however, that the overview has been fixed since then.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.