TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a Consumer Alert to warn Floridians about a cybercrime tactic known as malvertising. Scammers are using sponsored links and ads on search engines to mimic frequently visited pages, leading users to malware-infected websites. According to Malwarebytes Threat Intelligence, over 800 malvertising-related attacks occurred in the first six months of 2023, averaging almost five attacks per day. The report suggests that the actual number of unreported attacks is likely higher.
Attorney General Ashley Moody stated, “Cybercriminals are relentless in devising new ways to target victims. We’re warning Floridians about a concerning new cyberscam tactic called malvertising—where fraudsters use sponsored hyperlinks and ads to lure unsuspecting users to click on dangerous links that contain malware, compromising their devices and personal information. Be vigilant for malware—always double-check the legitimacy of a link or ad on a search engine before clicking.”
Once a malvertising link is clicked, users are redirected to websites that may appear similar to intended sites but instead install malware. This malware can include spyware, ransomware, and viruses capable of stealing sensitive information such as passwords, financial data, and personal documents.
Attorney General Moody offers the following tips:
- Verify URLs: Before clicking any links, carefully inspect the URL to ensure it matches the legitimate website’s domain by hovering over it.
- Use Reliable Security Software: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on all devices and keep it up-to-date.
- Read Descriptions: Look for grammatical errors or overly promotional language in site descriptions.
- Exercise Caution: Beware of unsolicited emails, pop-up ads, and requests for personal information from unfamiliar sources.
Victims of cybercrimes should report incidents to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Computer Crime Center. Cybercrime encounters can also be reported at IC3.gov.
To view other Consumer Alerts, visit MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.
The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division issues Consumer Alerts to inform Floridians about emerging scams, new methods used for fraud, increased reports of common scams, or other deceptive practices. These alerts aim to prevent financial losses or harm caused by deceptive practices. Incidents can be reported by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.