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Scammers Hijack Phones Through Fake Customer Service Numbers
10 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Scammers pose as bank/tech support, trick victims into installing remote access software
- Scammers can then control victim's device, steal passwords, and send explicit messages
- Searching for customer service numbers on Google leads to fake listings created by scammers
As of November 10th, 2025, a concerning trend has emerged where scammers are taking advantage of Google search results to target unsuspecting victims. When people search for customer service numbers, scammers have been buying ad space to make their fake listings appear at the top of the search results, ahead of the legitimate company contacts.
Once victims call the fake numbers, the scammers pose as helpful support agents and convince them to install remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer. This gives the scammers complete control over the victim's device, allowing them to steal passwords, send explicit messages, and lock the victim out of their own phone or computer.
One such victim, Gabriel, recently experienced this nightmare scenario. After noticing unauthorized charges on his bank account, he searched for his bank's customer service number online. The first result he called was a scammer, who then took control of Gabriel's phone and sent an explicit text message to his 16-year-old daughter. Incidents like this have become all too common, as scammers exploit the trust people place in search engine results.
