It has come to light that tech support scammers are actively targeting eBay customers in the U.S. through deceptive advertisements on Google. Our team identified multiple sponsored search results originating from at least four distinct advertiser accounts, all designed to mislead users seeking eBay customer service. These fraudulent ads, while often appearing obviously fake upon closer inspection, are strategically placed to capitalize on user inattention, potentially leading victims directly into the hands of scammers. Users who click on these ads are redirected to sham websites that prompt them to call a phone number for assistance, initiating a classic tech support scam scenario. We have promptly reported these malicious advertisements to Google and are diligently monitoring for similar campaigns that may target other reputable brands.
A surge of fraudulent ads has been observed when searching for terms like “ebay phone number” or “ebay customer service” on Google Chrome within the U.S. region. Investigation revealed that these misleading ads were generated from four different advertiser accounts, some of which were linked to legitimate entities, while others seemed to be newly created for the purpose of the scam.
Deceptive eBay Customer Service Ad on Google Search
The advertisement highlighted in the screenshot above stands out as particularly deceptive. It leverages eBay’s brand name, logo, and website design, creating a veneer of authenticity. Although Google enforces regulations regarding brand usage in ads, typically restricting it to owners or authorized affiliates, scammers are finding loopholes to circumvent these rules. Their method involves ensuring that the final URL, the destination after clicking the ad, is on the same domain or a subdomain that aligns with the advertised domain. In this instance, the scammers utilize developer.ebay.com, a subdomain legitimately associated with eBay’s Developers Program Search, to falsely claim affiliation with ebay.com.
However, a closer look at the destination URL reveals a discrepancy. Instead of directing to an official eBay support page, it leads to a fabricated search portal displaying a pre-populated search result. This result showcases what appears to be eBay’s customer service phone number, but it is in fact a fake number intended to connect victims with scammers.
Fake eBay Customer Service Search Portal with Scam Phone Number
This tactic is becoming increasingly common across various online platforms. Scammers create a seemingly legitimate search scenario, even knowing no genuine result will be found for the specific query. The key is that the user’s search query is prominently displayed, effectively deceiving individuals into believing the presented information. In the example shown, the manipulated search query includes “eBay.Customer-Service +1 (866) 409[-]9281”, further enhancing the illusion of legitimacy.
Other fraudulent ads redirect users to counterfeit websites or pages hosted on cloud services like BitBucket. These pages are designed to mimic eBay’s customer service interface and emphatically urge users to call the displayed phone number, which connects them directly to the scam operation.
Example of a Fake eBay Customer Service Website Hosted on BitBucket
It is strongly advised to avoid calling any phone numbers found through these types of advertisements, unless your intention is to engage in “scam baiting” for research or entertainment purposes. The tech support scam remains a highly prevalent and financially damaging form of cybercrime affecting consumers, especially in the United States.
Typically operating from overseas call centers, scammers with noticeable foreign accents attempt to persuade victims into granting them remote access to their computers or phones. Their ultimate objective is financial theft, often achieved by soliciting gift cards or gaining unauthorized access to victims’ bank accounts.
To protect yourself, always exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any phone number before calling, particularly if it originates from an advertisement or unsolicited email. When in doubt, always navigate directly to the official source, such as ebay.com, to access customer support through verified channels like live chat or to obtain their official contact number.
For enhanced online protection, consider utilizing a browser extension like Malwarebytes Browser Guard. This tool not only blocks intrusive advertisements but also effectively detects and blocks phishing websites and various other online threats, adding an essential layer of security to your browsing experience.
Protect Your Digital Identity Beyond Headlines
Cybersecurity threats extend beyond news reports. Safeguard your personal information and your family’s digital well-being by considering comprehensive identity protection services.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
Fake Pages:
e-bays-24x7support-number[.]vercel[.]appdeveloper[.]ebay[.]come-bay24x7pluscaresupport[.]bitbucket[.]ioupbay[.]onlinee-bay24x7customer[.]casterins[.]onlinee-bay24x7-customers-services-assist[.]onrender[.]comFraudulent Phone Numbers:
1[-]866[-]409[-]92811[-]833[-]714[-]39701[-]805[-]372[-]1369