HOUSTON — Looking for the best spring flowers? Ask Google. Looking for a meatball recipe? Ask Google. A new report in Lifehacker lists some things scammers are hoping you Google because they are ready to trick you with their results.
What not to Google
1. "Free credit report" This often takes you to paid sites. Instead, go to AnnualCreditReport.com.
2. "High-paying remote jobs" A lot of these listings are scams, the report says.
3. "Free people finders" Many of the results will charge you money and sometimes enroll you in a monthly subscription that is very tough to cancel.
4. "Best crypto wallet" Unless you are looking for cam websites that will steal your Bitcoin, don't search this.
From the "Doesn't That Stink" file, there is one thing you NEVER Google.
Most dangerous thing to Google
5. "Customer service numbers" Recent stories from wcpo.com, if you Google "customer service number" for Amazon, Facebook or any major company, you may stumble upon a scammer's number who will then ask you for your credit card or bank account number.
Cookie Pridemore told us last year she did just that, thinking it was the real company.
"I Googled Apple customer service," she said. "A woman answered, said yes that is who she was."
It was a scam, and Pridemore lost several hundred dollars after allowing the woman to access her laptop.
Helpful tips
Be sure to use the company's website to find a contact number.
Remember, Facebook has no customer service number. With over a billion members, not paying to use it, there is no way it can have helpful phone agents.
Be suspicious of the top results when Googling, and that way you don't waste your money.