Malware and Fake Pop-up Scams via Google Ads
Malicious Google ads redirect users to pages that trigger fake browser alerts or silently download malware.
Part of: Malware Popups
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Malvertising — placing malicious advertisements through ad networks — allows criminals to reach users at scale via Google-served ads. A user clicks what appears to be a legitimate sponsored result and lands on a page that either presents a fake security alert designed to panic them into calling a scam support number, or silently exploits browser vulnerabilities to install malware without any user interaction.
The ad itself often mimics a reputable brand or software company, adding credibility before the malicious redirect occurs. Google works to detect and remove malicious ads, but the volume of advertising means harmful content sometimes appears before removal.
How this scam works on Google Search & Ads
A user clicks a Google ad and is immediately shown a full-screen browser alert claiming their device is infected and they must call a number or download a tool immediately. The page may play audio, prevent normal browser navigation, or imitate a Windows or macOS system dialogue. Alternatively, on unpatched browsers, the landing page silently downloads an exploit that installs keylogging or ransomware software.
Drive-by downloads are particularly dangerous because the user may not know malware was installed until noticing unusual device behaviour later.
Common red flags
- Clicking a search ad immediately triggers a full-screen alert that cannot be closed normally
- Pop-up plays audio claiming to be from a security vendor or operating-system provider
- Page displays a phone number and instructs you to call immediately
- Browser navigation buttons stop working after clicking a search ad
- Device becomes slower or shows unknown running processes after clicking an ad
How to protect yourself
- Keep your browser and operating system fully updated to reduce exploit risk
- If a pop-up locks your browser, force-quit — do not call any number shown
- Use an ad-blocking extension from a reputable provider to reduce malvertising exposure
- Maintain active, up-to-date security software from a reputable vendor
How to report it
- Report the ad to Google via the report option on the sponsored result
- Submit the malicious URL to your national cyber authority or a public malware-analysis service
- If malware was installed, seek professional device cleaning and change all passwords from a clean device
Frequently asked questions
Can I get infected just by clicking a Google ad?
In most cases, modern browsers on updated systems require additional interaction (downloading and running a file, for example). However, unpatched browsers can be exploited by drive-by downloads that require no further action. Keeping browser and OS updates current is the best defence.