Google Adwords Scam Just Appeared On the BS Radar Screen

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This one is the first for me, so whether or not that means it is brand new on the Internet I am not sure. One thing I am sure of though is that I will not be the only one who will receive this email.

Dear Google AdWords Customer,

Your ads have stopped running because we were unable to process your billing information. We will reactivate you account after you update your billing information. In order to reactivate your account, please sign it to your account at http://adwordsgoogle.com/select/login, and update your billing information. Once your account is reactivated and your billing information has been processed, any your ads and campaigns can begin running immediately on Google.

You will not be asked to submit your billing information every time you create a new ad or campaign. If your payment has been declined and you’d like to resubmit the same credit card information, you may also do so by clicking the Retry card button on your Billing Preferences page. After updating your credit card information (regardless of whether or not you use a different card), it can take up to 24 hours before your ads start running again. You also have the option of providing a backup credit card to help ensure that your ads run continuously in the case that your primary payment method fails.

Sincerely,

———————————————————————————- The Google AdWords Team

OK, now while it looks completely legit, it is total bullshit and the first thing that gives it away is that when you hover the mouse over the link provided, it actually points to an entirely different site. i.e. the link in the mail points to http://adwordsgoogle.com/select/login, but when you hover over the link with your mouse it actually points to http://adwrods.google.select.fi4mn.cn/index.html. Were you to click on it, it would take you to a completely bogus site that is designed to mimic the legitimate site thus fooling the unwary surfer.

It really pays to carefully scrutinize your emails before clicking on any link as this will normally expose the scam. If you are still not sure, rather than clicking on the link I recommend you log on via the method you normally use and see if all is OK.

What really kills me is the section where it asks you to “After updating your credit card information (regardless of whether or not you use a different card), it can take up to 24 hours before your ads start running again. You also have the option of providing a backup credit card to help ensure that your ads run continuously in the case that your primary payment method fails.” This way they can siphon the funds of two cards rather than one.

BTW, in case you are interested the actual link to Google Adwords is https://adwords.google.com/select/Login and I would say they missed out the s in https intentionally.

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. BS Artist

    No worries mate, it’s what this blog is all about. :smile1_tb: As for the template, I have noticed that a lot of professional bloggers use it, which probably explains why you also use it 😉

  2. Dee Ann Nanyes

    We’ve been getting that email for about a week now. I figured it was a scam bcause our account is fine. Thanks for the explanation.

  3. BS Artist

    No worries Dee Ann, thanks for taking the time to comment. :clap_tb:

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