In honor of my Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, my assistant Gabriella Samuels is writing for my newsletter and blog a series of consumer tips inspired by TV reporter Elizabeth Margaret Danniher.
With the rise of artificial intelligence, Google has added AI Overview as part of its search engine. When you search anything on Google, at the top of the screen AI Overview compiles and summarizes the search results, offering links, websites, and other resources. Google claims it helps users search for things faster. However, there is a problem. Google’s AI Overview can promote false information, and this is helping scammers.
The information from AI Overviews is not always accurate. AI Overview cannot reliably distinguish between verified facts and misinformation. Scammers create misinformation on purpose to exploit this feature. Scammers can make fake reviews in forums or comment sections, fake websites, or fake customer service phone numbers. Subsequently, the AI considers all this data to be true and adds it to the Overview. Victims then call the fake company or click on the fake website and get scammed. They might even end up buying fake products or services or getting their personal information stolen.
Some tips when using Google’s AI Overview:
- Avoid calling numbers from the AI Overview. Go to a company’s website to look for an official phone number.
- If you use the AI Overview, always double-check the information it provides.
- Never give your personal information over the phone.
- If you get scammed or fear you have, contact your bank and the company.
There is no option to turn off Google’s AI Overview. However, you do not need it to search for information. Scroll down below the Overview, and Google’s normal search engine is there.
Remember if you get scammed, report it to the Federal Trade Commission.