Source: Google
Working collaboratively to prevent online scams
While we are focused on product design and policies that prevent scams, we recognise that creating a safer Internet for everyone is a collective effort. The rise in scams shows we need to reinforce digital literacy — particularly among those most vulnerable. This is why we also invest in broader consumer awareness raising exercises such as supporting Scamwatch during Scam Awareness Week, promoting Google’s Security Checkup on the Google homepage in Australia, and working with consumer organisations such as ACCAN to heighten understanding of gift card scams.
We’ve also worked closely with the Australian Government’s economy-wide efforts to address scams. Because financial scams are prevalent, and especially harmful, we expanded our verification program for financial services advertisers to Australia in June 2022, requiring financial services advertisers in Australia to demonstrate they are authorised by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and have completed Google’s advertiser verification program, in order to promote their financial products and services through ads. This helps us all to make more informed decisions before we click on any links.