An investigation by a consumer advocacy group has found that fake ads for popular parking apps are increasing near the top of online search results, tricking drivers into providing their payment details.
Sunday 17 December 2023 13:16 UK
Drivers are falling victim to scams using fake online parking payment websites. “Which one?” he warned.
An investigation by a consumer advocacy group has found an increase in the number of false ads for popular parking apps appearing near the top of online search results.
Fake sites impersonate popular parking payment apps to trick drivers into providing their payment details.
We’ve seen some sites offering ‘free downloads’, but with small print hidden at the bottom of the website displaying a monthly fee of £24.99.
Which one? The company said that Google search results showed ads purporting to be JustPark, PayByPhone, and RingGo. All of these were showing up at the top of searches, above the company’s legitimate website.
He also said he had witnessed similar fake websites being used to defraud drivers trying to pay ULEZ tolls.
Which one? Instead, it urged people to download the app from the official Apple or Google Play app stores.
The company warned Google about advertisers impersonating parking app companies, and the search giant said it had “taken action,” but months later the same website was still running at the top of Google search results. .
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We found far more examples of false advertising on Google than on any other search engine. “Fraudulent advertising exists everywhere,” he warned.
Google says it removes ads that violate its policies, and under its Misrepresentation Policy, ads that mislead users by omitting relevant product information or providing misleading information are not allowed. Ta.