Paid ad spoofing is a type of insurance fraud carried out by scammers online.
They pose as legitimate companies to try and trick you into contacting them instead of your insurer.
The tactics the scammers use make it difficult to spot this kind of fraud, so it’s important to be vigilant and take steps to protect yourself and your information on the web.
Paid ad spoofing in action
If you have an accident and need to contact your insurance company, you’ll probably grab your phone and search for their phone number online.
You’re likely to be pretty stressed out, so you might click the first link that appears in the search results.
This is where it’s easy to get caught out. Fraudsters pay to place fake ads on search engine results pages and social media platforms.
The ads are pretty convincing and are there to trick you into thinking you’re contacting your insurance company. They use the same branding, logos and colours, but really, they’re scammers targeting you when you’re looking for help.
A common scam is pretending to be your insurance company when in reality, they’re a dodgy 'accident management' company. And before you realise what’s happening, you’ve unknowingly signed up for some expensive repair and recovery services that would normally be covered under your insurance.
Other fraudsters will steal your personal details or install a virus on your smartphone or laptop.
How to spot a spoof ad
Unfortunately, this type of fraud catches a lot of people out because fake ads can be really difficult to spot but there are a few things you can look out for:
Is it really an ad?
Your insurance company is very unlikely to use ads to help you find their emergency or contact details. Ads are more commonly used to sell their products, so if you see ‘Ad’ or ‘Sponsored’ next to a search result with your insurer’s phone number, be wary.
If you’re looking for contact details, take the time to scroll down to the organic search results, where you’re more likely to find the information you need.
Is it a legitimate website?
Make sure you check the website URL (address) before you give away any personal details – it will most likely start with https://.
Genuine insurance company websites normally display a padlock icon in the address bar.
How can I protect myself from ad spoofing?
Be on your guard
Always be 100% sure you know who you’re speaking to. Ask your insurance company which third parties they use for things like repairs and hire cars, so you can be sure you’re dealing with the right people.
Get educated
One of the best ways to stay safe online is to be aware of what scams are out there. If you know what to look out for, you’re already one step ahead of the fraudsters.
Use official apps
Most large insurance companies have their own official apps, which are usually more secure than searching the web. They should contain all the details you need to contact your insurer in an emergency. You can download the Churchill app here.
What if I think I’ve been a victim of fraud?
If you think you’ve been caught out by fraudsters, you can report it to the Insurance Fraud Bureau through their Cheatline. Or you can visit the IFB’s website for more information.
