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Over the years, internet security has become a growing concern for the public. In 2020 consumers lost over $5.8 billion to fraud, a 70% increase from the previous year. In an effort to keep users safe, Google took action. In 2018, a spam detection system was announced by Google with the capability to reduce spam from searches with extreme efficiency. In 2021 the AI was officially named “SpamBrain.”

How Effectively Can SpamBrain Protect You From Scams?

SpamBrain is constantly being restructured and improved as malicious websites evolve. Fortunately, SpamBrain has outperformed itself year after year. In 2021, Google announced that SpamBrain had the capability to:

• Identify spammy websites 6x more effectively than it did in 2020
• Reduce hacked spam by over 70%
• Reduce gibberish spam by over 75%
• Keep users’ searched spam-free by over 99%

How Do Malicious Websites Try to Scam You?

While SpamBrain is a highly sophisticated AI, nothing is perfect. It is essential to know what these websites can do and how they may try to cause harm. Understanding spam websites can help you identify something suspicious and overall, add another level of digital security.

Phishing Scam Websites (Most Common)

Historically, phishing scams are done through text messages or emails. The message will prompt you to open up a website link designed to steal your personal information. Phishing scams may sometimes create fake domains similar to established companies.

Scareware Scam Websites

Scareware is designed to create an urgent emotional response from the user. Someone may open a website where a pop-up ad alerts them of a virus, security breach, etc. This alert will often prompt you to input information or download a fake ‘anti-virus’ to protect yourself.

Prize/Sweepstakes Scam Websites

Prize-based scams are done through websites as well as texts or emails. You will be alerted that you have won/can win a prize, but you must either put in your personal information or pay a small fee to claim it.

Shopping Scam Websites

Shopping scams involve creating a low-quality store, often selling a low-quality product for a consumer to purchase. These scams can be extremely tricky, as they sometimes will deliver the physical product you ordered. These stores will store your credit card information, where they may use it or resell the information to others.

Stay Vigilant to Fight Spam

Although many more exist, these are the most common scams seen on websites. It is vital to be vigilant when you are visiting unfamiliar websites. Check for red flags such as poor grammar or design, as unprofessional websites may be a sign that a scam is present. Checking domain names or doing research on the company website that you are visiting can also help you understand if what you are viewing is legitimate or not.

Never act upon emotional fear or impulsive decisions because scammers will often emotionally manipulate you to get what they want. If something is too good to be true, it just might be.